2/5 as a decimal
Divide 2 by 5, or make the bottom 10: 2/5 = 4/10 = 0.4.
The answer
2/5 = 0.4
How to turn 2/5 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: 2 × 2 = 4.
- So 2/5 = 4/10, which is 4 tenths.
4 tenths is written 0.4: 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 2, so write 0 and a decimal point, then carry the 2 over as 20 tenths.
- 5 goes into 20 4 times exactly. Write 4.
- The remainder is 0, so the division stops: 2 ÷ 5 = 0.4.
2/5 as a fraction, decimal and percentage
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 0.4 | 40% |
Multiply the top and bottom by the same number and the fraction keeps its value: 2/5, 4/10, 6/15, 8/20 and 10/25 are all equal.
Looking for 4/10? It is the same as 2/5, so it gives the same decimal and percentage.
All the fifths
Shade 2/5 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 2/5 shaded in the fifths row. Look straight down: the shading ends in exactly the same place in 4/10, so it is equal to 2/5. Tap other pieces to try more fractions.
A fraction wall from halves to tenths, opening on 2/5.
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 2/5 as a decimal?
2/5 = 0.4.
Is 2/5 a recurring decimal?
No. 5 × 2 = 10, so 2/5 is exactly 4/10 and the decimal stops at 0.4.
Is 2/5 more or less than a half?
2/5 is less than a half: 0.4 is less than 0.5. Half of 5 is 2.5, and 2 is less than 2.5.
What is 2/5 as a percentage?
2/5 = 40%.
Which fractions are the same as 2/5?
4/10, 6/15, 8/20, 10/25 and every other fraction you make by multiplying the top and bottom of 2/5 by the same number. They all equal 0.4.
Continue your maths practice
Explore the diagnostic for another way to practise.