Quick Answer: 1/4 as a decimal is 0.25.
It is a terminating decimal, meaning it ends and does not repeat.
What Is 1/4 as a Decimal?
To convert the fraction 1/4 into decimal form, divide the numerator by the denominator:
1 ÷ 4 = 0.25
The decimal 0.25 is exact and finite, making it easy to use in calculations without rounding.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert 1/4 Into a Decimal
Method 1: Direct Division
Divide the numerator by the denominator:
1 ÷ 4 = 0.25
Method 2: Convert the Fraction to Hundredths
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 25:
1 × 25 = 25
4 × 25 = 100
So the fraction becomes:
25/100 = 0.25
To see the fraction version, visit: What is 0.25 as a Fraction?
How to Verify That 1/4 = 0.25
Method 1: Multiply Back
0.25 × 4 = 1
This confirms the decimal conversion is correct.
Method 2: Prime Factor Rule
The denominator 4 factors as 2 × 2, so the decimal must terminate.
Method 3: Calculator Check
Dividing 1 by 4 on any calculator gives 0.25 exactly.
Is 1/4 a Terminating or Repeating Decimal?
1/4 is a terminating decimal.
Why?
A fraction converts to a terminating decimal if its denominator contains only the prime factors 2 and/or 5.
Since 4 meets this condition, the decimal ends.
Understanding the Size of 1/4
The decimal 0.25 means:
- The value is less than 1
- It represents one-quarter of a whole
- It is equal to 25%
Fraction, Decimal, and Percentage Forms
| Form | Value |
| Fraction | 1/4 |
| Decimal | 0.25 |
| Percentage | 25% |
To convert to a percentage:
0.25 × 100 = 25%
Real-Life Examples and Uses of 1/4
In everyday use, people usually say “a quarter,” 0.25, or 25%, while 1/4 appears in fractions and explanations.
1. Time Measurement
One-quarter of an hour equals 0.25 hours, which is 15 minutes.
2. Discounts and Pricing
A 25% discount means the price is reduced by 1/4.
3. Cooking and Baking
Using 1/4 cup of an ingredient equals 0.25 cups, common in recipes.
4. Probability
If an event has 1 favorable outcome out of 4, the probability is 1/4 = 0.25.
5. Academic Scoring
Scoring 1/4 of the total marks equals 25%, or 0.25 in decimal form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing 0.025 instead of 0.25
- ❌ Assuming the decimal repeats
- ❌ Confusing 0.25 with 2.5%
- ❌ Rounding when an exact value exists
Because 0.25 is exact, it should always be written as shown.
FAQs About 1/4 as a Decimal
Is 1/4 a terminating decimal?
Yes. 1/4 equals 0.25, which is a terminating decimal.
Can 1/4 be written exactly as a decimal?
Yes. The decimal 0.25 is exact.
Why does 1/4 not repeat?
Because the denominator contains only the prime factor 2.
What is 1/4 as a percentage?
It equals 25%.
Final Answer Summary
- 1/4 as a decimal = 0.25
- It is a terminating decimal
- The value is exact and non-repeating
- Commonly used in time, discounts, probability, and daily calculations
