Guide
What Is a Fraction?
A fraction is simply a way of describing part of a whole — and once you see the two numbers' jobs, it clicks.
A fraction is simply a way of describing part of a whole — and once you see the two numbers' jobs, it clicks.
What a fraction means
A fraction represents a part of a whole, or a part of a group. It is written as two numbers separated by a line, such as 3/4. The whole is split into equal parts, and the fraction tells you how many of those parts you have.
The numerator and the denominator
The bottom number is the denominator — it tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into. The top number is the numerator — it tells you how many of those parts you are counting. In 3/4, the whole is split into 4 equal parts (denominator) and you have 3 of them (numerator).
How to read a fraction
3/4 is read as 'three quarters' or 'three fourths'. 1/2 is 'one half', 2/3 is 'two thirds'. The denominator names the size of the piece, and the numerator counts how many pieces.
Everyday examples
If a pizza is cut into 8 equal slices and you eat 3, you ate 3/8 of the pizza. Half an hour is 1/2 of an hour. 25 cents is 1/4 of a dollar. Fractions are all around you.
Related tools & guides
Frequently asked
What is a fraction in simple words?
A fraction is a way of writing part of a whole. The bottom number says how many equal parts the whole is split into, and the top number says how many you have.
What are the two parts of a fraction called?
The top number is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator.
What does the denominator tell you?
The denominator tells you how many equal parts the whole has been divided into.