Quick Answer
5/8 as a decimal: 0.625
5/8 as a percent: 62.5%
Five-eighths converts to a terminating decimal. Since 8 = 2³ (only 2s as prime factors), the decimal ends cleanly after three places.
Key Takeaway: 5/8 equals exactly 0.625 as a decimal and 62.5% as a percentage. These are exact values - no repeating pattern.
How to Convert 5/8 to a Decimal
Divide the numerator (5) by the denominator (8):
- 8 goes into 5 zero times, write 0.
- Add decimal: 5.0 → 8 goes into 50 six times (8 × 6 = 48), remainder 2
- Add zero: 20 → 8 goes into 20 two times (8 × 2 = 16), remainder 4
- Add zero: 40 → 8 goes into 40 exactly five times (8 × 5 = 40)
- No remainder - done!
5 ÷ 8 = 0.625
How to Convert 5/8 to a Percent
Method 1: From Decimal
0.625 × 100 = 62.5%
Method 2: Direct
(5 × 100) ÷ 8 = 500 ÷ 8 = 62.5%
Try It: What is 3/8 as a decimal and percent?
Answer: 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375 = 37.5%
Answer: 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375 = 37.5%
Reference Table: Eighth Fractions
| Fraction | Decimal | Percent | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% | One eighth |
| 2/8 = 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% | Quarter |
| 3/8 | 0.375 | 37.5% | Three eighths |
| 4/8 = 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% | Half |
| 5/8 | 0.625 | 62.5% | Five eighths |
| 6/8 = 3/4 | 0.75 | 75% | Three quarters |
| 7/8 | 0.875 | 87.5% | Seven eighths |
Why Does 5/8 Terminate?
The denominator 8 = 2³. Since it has only 2s as prime factors (and 2 is a factor of 10), the decimal terminates cleanly.
Real-World Applications
Tools: Many wrenches and bolts come in 5/8 inch sizes.
Cooking: 5/8 cup is sometimes used in recipes (equals 10 tablespoons or 5 fluid ounces).
Construction: Plywood often comes in 5/8 inch thickness.
Equivalent Fractions
- 5/8 = 10/16 (multiply by 2)
- 5/8 = 15/24 (multiply by 3)
- 5/8 = 20/32 (multiply by 4)
- 5/8 = 625/1000 (multiply by 125)
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 5/6: 5/8 = 0.625, but 5/6 ≈ 0.833. Very different!
- Writing 62.5% as 62%: That .5 matters - it's half a percent difference.
Remember: Eighths are common in construction and tools. 5/8 inch is a standard bolt and wrench size.
Try our Fraction Calculator for more conversions.