The value of 5.5 inches expressed as a fraction is approximately 11/2.
Since 5.5 inches equals 5 and a half inches, it can be written as a mixed number. Converting 5.5 into a fraction involves recognizing that 0.5 is the same as 1/2, so multiplying 5.5 by 2 gives 11, and dividing by 2 yields the fraction 11/2.
Conversion Result
5.5 inches equals the fraction 11/2.
Conversion Tool
Result in fraction:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert inches with decimal parts to fractions is to multiply the decimal by 2 to get the numerator, and use 2 as the denominator. Then, simplify the fraction by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. For example, 5.5 x 2 = 11, so 11/2 is the fraction.
This works because 0.5 equals 1/2, so multiplying the decimal part by 2 converts it into a numerator for the fraction, making the conversion straightforward and exact for common decimal inches.
Conversion Example
- Convert 7.25 inches:
- 0.25 x 2 = 0.5, numerator 1 (after multiplying by 2)
- So, 7.25 inches = 7 + 1/2 = 29/4 after converting 7 to 28/4 and adding 1/2 (which is 2/4)
- Simplify if needed but 29/4 is already simplest.
- Convert 3.75 inches:
- 0.75 x 2 = 1.5, numerator 3 after rounding
- 3.75 = 3 + 3/4 = 15/4 (since 3 = 12/4, and 12/4 + 3/4 = 15/4)
- Convert 2.2 inches:
- 0.2 x 2 = 0.4, round to 0.4 or 2/5
- 2.2 = 2 + 1/5 = 11/5 (since 2 = 10/5, and 10/5 + 1/5 = 11/5)
Conversion Chart
| Inches | Fraction |
|---|---|
| -19.5 | -39/2 |
| -19.0 | -19/1 |
| -18.5 | -37/2 |
| -18.0 | -18/1 |
| -17.5 | -35/2 |
| -17.0 | -17/1 |
| -16.5 | -33/2 |
| -16.0 | -16/1 |
| -15.5 | -31/2 |
| -15.0 | -15/1 |
| -14.5 | -29/2 |
| -14.0 | -14/1 |
| -13.5 | -27/2 |
| -13.0 | -13/1 |
| -12.5 | -25/2 |
| -12.0 | -12/1 |
| -11.5 | -23/2 |
| -11.0 | -11/1 |
| -10.5 | -21/2 |
| -10.0 | -10/1 |
| -9.5 | -19/2 |
| -9.0 | -9/1 |
| -8.5 | -17/2 |
| -8.0 | -8/1 |
| -7.5 | -15/2 |
| -7.0 | -7/1 |
| -6.5 | -13/2 |
| -6.0 | -6/1 |
| -5.5 | -11/2 |
| -5.0 | -5/1 |
| -4.5 | -9/2 |
| -4.0 | -4/1 |
| -3.5 | -7/2 |
| -3.0 | -3/1 |
| -2.5 | -5/2 |
| -2.0 | -2/1 |
| -1.5 | -3/2 |
| -1.0 | -1/1 |
| -0.5 | -1/2 |
| 0 | 0 |
| 0.5 | 1/2 |
| 1.0 | 1 |
| 1.5 | 3/2 |
| 2.0 | 2 |
| 2.5 | 5/2 |
| 3.0 | 3 |
| 3.5 | 7/2 |
| 4.0 | 4 |
| 4.5 | 9/2 |
| 5.0 | 5 |
| 5.5 | 11/2 |
| 6.0 | 6 |
| 6.5 | 13/2 |
| 7.0 | 7 |
| 7.5 | 15/2 |
| 8.0 | 8 |
| 8.5 | 17/2 |
| 9.0 | 9 |
| 9.5 | 19/2 |
| 10.0 | 10 |
| 10.5 | 21/2 |
| 11.0 | 11 |
| 11.5 | 23/2 |
| 12.0 | 12 |
| 12.5 | 25/2 |
| 13.0 | 13 |
| 13.5 | 27/2 |
| 14.0 | 14 |
| 14.5 | 29/2 |
| 15.0 | 15 |
| 15.5 | 31/2 |
| 16.0 | 16 |
| 16.5 | 33/2 |
| 17.0 | 17 |
| 17.5 | 35/2 |
| 18.0 | 18 |
| 18.5 | 37/2 |
| 19.0 | 19 |
| 19.5 | 39/2 |
| 20.0 | 20 |
| 20.5 | 41/2 |
| 21.0 | 21 |
| 21.5 | 43/2 |
| 22.0 | 22 |
| 22.5 | 45/2 |
| 23.0 | 23 |
| 23.5 | 47/2 |
| 24.0 | 24 |
| 24.5 | 49/2 |
| 25.0 | 25 |
| 25.5 | 51/2 |
| 26.0 | 26 |
| 26.5 | 53/2 |
| 27.0 | 27 |
| 27.5 | 55/2 |
| 28.0 | 28 |
| 28.5 | 57/2 |
| 29.0 | 29 |
| 29.5 | 59/2 |
| 30.0 | 30 |
| 30.5 | 61/2 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How can I convert 5.5 inches into a simplified fraction?
- What is the fractional equivalent of 5.5 inches in lowest terms?
- How do I express 5.5 inches as a mixed number?
- Is 11/2 the only fraction representation for 5.5 inches?
- Can I convert 5.5 inches into a decimal fraction?
- What is the best way to convert fractional inches to decimal?
- How accurate is the fraction 11/2 for measuring 5.5 inches?
Conversion Definitions
In
“In” is a unit of length measurement primarily used in the imperial system, equal to 1/12 of a foot, and often used for measuring small distances, objects, or dimensions in various industries like construction, tailoring, and manufacturing.
Fraction
A fraction represents a part of a whole, written as numerator over denominator, indicating how many parts of a specified size are being considered. It simplifies the expression of ratios and measurements, especially when converting from decimals or mixed numbers.
Conversion FAQs
What does 5.5 inches equal as a fraction in simplest form?
It equals 11/2 after multiplying 5.5 by 2 to get 11, then dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 1, leaving 11/2 as the simplest form.
Can I convert any decimal inches to a fraction using this method?
Yes, multiplying the decimal by 2 gives a numerator, and 2 is the denominator. Then, simplifying the fraction makes it accurate for most common decimal inches, especially those ending in 0.5 or 0.25.
Why do I need to simplify fractions after converting?
Simplification makes fractions easier to read and work with, reduces the chance of errors, and clarifies the exact measurement, especially when used in precise tasks or measurements in construction or tailoring.
Last Updated : 24 June, 2025
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.