1/5 as a decimal
Divide 1 by 5, or make the bottom 10: 1/5 = 2/10 = 0.2.
The answer
1/5 = 0.2
How to turn 1/5 into a decimal
The quick way is to make an equivalent fraction with a bottom of 10, because tenths can be written straight down as a decimal.
- 5 × 2 = 10.
- Do the same to the top: 1 × 2 = 2.
- So 1/5 = 2/10, which is 2 tenths.
2 tenths is written 0.2: the last digit goes in the tenths column.
You can also divide the top by the bottom. Short division gives the same answer:
- 5 does not go into 1, so write 0 and a decimal point, then carry the 1 over as 10 tenths.
- 5 goes into 10 2 times exactly. Write 2.
- The remainder is 0, so the division stops: 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2.
1/5 as a fraction, decimal and percentage
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
Multiply the top and bottom by the same number and the fraction keeps its value: 1/5, 2/10, 3/15, 4/20 and 5/25 are all equal.
Looking for 2/10? It is the same as 1/5, so it gives the same decimal and percentage.
All the fifths
Shade 1/5 on a fraction wall
This wall shows selected denominators: halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, eighths and tenths. Other fractions on this site may not have a row here. The wall opens with 1/5 shaded in the fifths row. Look straight down: the shading ends in exactly the same place in 2/10, so it is equal to 1/5. Tap other pieces to try more fractions.
A fraction wall from halves to tenths, opening on 1/5.
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 1/5 as a decimal?
1/5 = 0.2.
Is 1/5 a recurring decimal?
No. 5 × 2 = 10, so 1/5 is exactly 2/10 and the decimal stops at 0.2.
Is 1/5 more or less than a half?
1/5 is less than a half: 0.2 is less than 0.5. Half of 5 is 2.5, and 1 is less than 2.5.
What is 1/5 as a percentage?
1/5 = 20%.
Which fractions are the same as 1/5?
2/10, 3/15, 4/20, 5/25 and every other fraction you make by multiplying the top and bottom of 1/5 by the same number. They all equal 0.2.
Continue your maths practice
Explore the diagnostic for another way to practise.