Converting Percents to Decimals Explained (With Examples)

Converting Percents to Decimals

A percent represents a number out of 100. Converting percents to decimals is a simple process that helps students work more easily with decimals, fractions, and real-world problems. By understanding one clear movement rule, students can quickly rewrite any percent as a decimal.

How It Works

Step 1

Write the percent as a number

A percent represents a value out of 100.

$$
25\% = \frac{25}{100}
$$

Step 2

Divide by 100

Dividing by 100 moves the decimal point two places to the left.

$$
25\% = 25 \div 100 = 0.25
$$

Step 3

Check your result

Percents greater than 100 become decimals greater than 1. Smaller percents result in decimals less than 0.1.

$$
6\% = 0.06
$$

Try These Examples

Convert 40% to a decimal.

$$
40\% = 0.40
$$

Convert 7.5% to a decimal.

$$
7.5\% = 0.075
$$

Watch Out

Common Mistake

Make sure the decimal moves two places, not one. $$
\text{Incorrect: } 25\% = 2.5
$$ $$
\text{Correct: } 25\% = 0.25
$$

Keep Practicing

Try these related worksheets to build fluency and confidence.