How do you change a fraction to a percent?

A fraction is converted to a percentage by first expressing the fraction with a denominator of 100, then writing the numerator with a percent sign behind it. Some fractions can be easily converted if basic ratio equivalents are known.

1. Simplify the fraction

   Percent literally means "per hundred," so the fraction has to be rewritten to express the same ratio out of 100. For an example, take the fraction 4/6. Because it has a common factor of 2, it simplifies to 2/3.

2. Convert the fraction

   The denominator, or the bottom number, has to be 100. Divide 100 by 3 to yield 3.33. Multiply both parts of the fraction by this number. Done correctly, this should yield a result of 66.6/100.

3. Rewrite the fraction as a percentage

   When the fraction has a denominator of 100, the numerator is the percentage; therefore, 4/6 converts to 66.6 percent.

4. Alternatively, divide the denominator by the numerator

   Another example could be 34/45. When calculated, this yields 0.755. Move the decimal point two places to the right.

5. For quicker conversion, learn basic ratios

   Fractions with a denominator of 3 are increments of 33.3 percent, ones with 4 are increments of 25 percent, and fractions with a denominator of 5 are in increments of 20 percent.