The other day, I was baking cookies, and the recipe called for two-thirds cups of sugar, but I could not find my two-thirds measuring cup. So what did I do? I reached for my one-third measuring cup and filled it up two times. (And I didn’t even need an equivalent fractions chart!)
All I could think was, “If my students could only see me now.” Equivalent fractions are all around us, and we use them for various things. They are one of those math skills that we teach that we know will be used in the future for various reasons.
However, it’s not always the easiest skill for students to learn. The best way to help students understand equivalent fractions is to see the equivalency between the fractions visually. That’s why I love teaching with equivalent fraction charts.
I have compiled a list of five equivalent fraction charts you should use with your students. Each chart shows equivalent fractions differently, so let’s take a look!
Why equivalent fraction charts?
Equivalent fractions charts are powerful tools for students working to understand the concept. Fractions, in general, can be tricky, so bringing in visual tools that support students in their learning can make a huge difference.
There are a variety of fractions on an equivalent fraction chart, and students can easily see how one fraction is equivalent to another. These charts will help students build their basic understanding of fraction size and equivalency.
When do you use equivalent fraction charts?
All the time! Use them when introducing equivalent fractions. Use them when students are practicing equivalent fractions. Use them when playing equivalent fraction games. They are easy tools that can support student learning, no matter what you are doing.
Students will develop their understanding of equivalent fractions at different paces, so some may need charts for longer while others can move right along. And always keep them handy in case students need a little reminder.
Here are some great equivalent fraction activities to use them with…
Valentine’s Day Color by Number
4th Grade Math City: Candy Shop
3rd Grade Math City: Candy Shop
Equivalent Fractions Chart: Circle Models
This equivalent fractions chart is a great one to start with. It shows circle models of benchmark equivalent fractions for one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-fifth, and one-sixth. The largest equivalent fraction model shown for each fraction is twelve.
This chart works well for students familiar with equivalent fractions because it visually represents basic benchmark fractions. It also helps students to understand that a fraction could have more than one equivalent fraction.
The largest equivalent fraction shown is with twelves so this chart won’t overwhelm students.
Equivalent Fractions Chart: Fraction Bars
This equivalent fractions chart is probably the most common. The bars are from one whole to twelve equal parts and are color-coded.
This chart works well because it visually shows students how one whole can be broken into smaller equal parts. It is also easy to see the different equivalent fractions.
Use this chart whenever you are working with fractions through twelves. It is a great visual tool that will help students continue to build their understanding of equivalency.
Equivalent Fractions Chart: Number Lines
This equivalent fractions chart is similar to the fraction bar chart but on number lines. It is another great visual way for students to see equivalent fractions.
Many standards require students to read fraction models and number lines. This tool can help students read fractions on a number line and recognize equivalent fractions.
Use this chart along with the fraction bars chart. This chart allows students to see that fractions principles are the same, even when represented differently.
Equivalent Fractions Chart: Multiplication Chart
When I discovered this chart, I thought it was one of the coolest things ever. With this chart, students use a multiplication table to recognize equivalent fractions.
Use this chart with students who are moving past basic equivalent fractions. This chart helps students to see that we can create equivalent fractions through multiplication and division.
To use this chart, I teach students to find the fraction on the first column. Then, they can work across to find equivalent fractions. For example, if they find three-fourths, they’ll see that equivalent fractions are six-eighths, nine-twelves, and so on.
I’ve included two versions of this chart because sometimes it can be helpful first to introduce it with the color-coded version to help students understand how to use the chart. But the white version is also nice because students can use it to create more equivalent fractions (i.e., two-thirds, four-fifths, etc.).
I love this chart because it reinforces using multiplication to find and create equivalent fractions. It also helps support students as they start working with larger numbers in equivalent fractions.
Equivalent Fractions Chart: Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
Finally, we have the fractions, decimals, and percentages chart. This chart is slightly different from the others because it shows how fractions can be equivalent to decimals and percentages.
This is not a standard for each grade level but can be useful in 4th and 5th grade as they expand beyond fractions and move into decimals. It is another way students can learn to represent fractions.
This chart is great to use when students start working towards showing equivalent fractions in varied ways.
There you have it! 5 equivalent fractions charts that can help your students master this math skill. There’s no need to search the internet to find all these charts; I’ve compiled them for you. Grab your free download today. Be sure to let me know which one your students liked best!
2 Comments
There is no link to download the fraction charts. I looked on your page also for the fraction differentiation toolkit, and there is no link to download there either. Did I miss something? Thanks!
Hi! There is a place to enter your name and email address right below “Why fraction charts?” and then they will be sent directly to your inbox.