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GMAT Strategy
Fraction-Decimal Anchors
Recall common fraction-decimal-percent equivalents to compare values and estimate quickly.
Why memorize
Common fractions should feel like numbers, not conversion problems.
Fast recognition saves time in Quant and Data Insights when comparing rates, shares, and percentages.
Halves, thirds, and quarters
- 1/2
- 0.50 = 50%
- 1/3
- 0.333... = 33.3%
- 2/3
- 0.667... = 66.7%
- 1/4
- 0.25 = 25%
- 3/4
- 0.75 = 75%
Fifths and tenths
- 1/5
- 0.20 = 20%
- 2/5
- 0.40 = 40%
- 3/5
- 0.60 = 60%
- 4/5
- 0.80 = 80%
- 1/10
- 0.10 = 10%
Sixths and eighths
- 1/6
- 0.1667 = 16.7%
- 5/6
- 0.8333 = 83.3%
- 1/8
- 0.125 = 12.5%
- 3/8
- 0.375 = 37.5%
- 5/8
- 0.625 = 62.5%
More useful anchors
- 7/8
- 0.875 = 87.5%
- 1/7
- about 0.1429
- 1/9
- 0.111...
- 1/20
- 0.05 = 5%
- 1/40
- 0.025 = 2.5%
Comparison
Use anchors to compare without full division.
For example, 7/15 is slightly below 1/2 because 7.5/15 would equal 1/2.
Application
Use anchors to estimate percent change or weighted data.
Recognizing 3/8 as 37.5% is faster than long division and often precise enough.
Mini application
Try this: which is larger, 5/8 or 0.61?
Use a memorized anchor before scrolling.
Solution
5/8 is larger.
5/8 = 0.625, which exceeds 0.61.
Remember this
Memorize the anchors you see repeatedly.
The goal is instant recognition of common values, not a giant conversion table.