What is a proper fraction?

A proper fraction is a fraction whose top number is smaller than its bottom number, which means it is worth less than one whole. 3/4 and 2/5 are proper fractions. A fraction that is one whole or more, like 5/4, is an improper fraction instead.

Examples

• 3/4 is a proper fraction.
• 1/2 and 7/10 are proper fractions.
• 5/5 is not proper, it equals one whole.

Quick facts

• A proper fraction is always less than 1.
• Its opposite, an improper fraction, is worth one whole or more.