What is a numerator and denominator?

In a fraction, the denominator (bottom) tells you how many equal parts the whole is split into, and the numerator (top) tells you how many of those parts you have. In 3/4, the whole is split into 4 equal parts and you have 3 of them.

Examples

• In 3/4, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
• In 2/5, you have 2 of 5 equal parts.
• 5/5 means all five parts, which equals one whole.

Quick facts

• A bigger denominator means smaller parts (eighths are smaller than quarters).
• When the numerator equals the denominator, the fraction equals 1.