What is three eights of an inch?

Hello, We can say three out of eight or three eights for 3/8. But, can we also say three over eight?

TIA

If you're talking in terms of an actual math problem, then yes three over eight would be the most natural. However, if you're talking about a group of people, three over eight does not make sense; you would have to say "three out of eight want to go to the movies" for example.

Thank you very much for your reply.

Perhaps to further clarify for you, in general, if we say a fraction in common speech, it's three eighths (or three quarters, or a third, etc.) E.g. "I didn't eat half the pizza pie! It was more like three eighths!" In math class, it depends -- "three eighths" is often quicker, but "three over eight" is often clearer -- both can feel more "natural" depending on the exact context. But to answer your question directly, we do say it -- three over eight.

You are more likely to use this form is the fraction is a more complex one. If I was given 102/103, I don't think I'd ever say 'one hundred and two one hundred and thirds'; it would always be 'one hundred and two over one hundred and three', in and out of maths class! If I was given a more basic fraction like 3/4, I'd probably only say 'three quarters'. Your fraction 3/8 has gone just beyond the basic stage.

You are more likely to use this form is the fraction is a more complex one. If I was given 102/103, I don't think I'd ever say 'one hundred and two one hundred and thirds'; it would always be 'one hundred and two over one hundred and three', in and out of maths class! If I was given a more basic fraction like 3/4, I'd probably only say 'three quarters'. Your fraction 3/8 has gone just beyond the basic stage.

Three sixteenths is hardly unusual in AE.

Yes, any eighth or sixteenth up to 7/8ths or 15/16ths would be easily understood and any combination that included them, such as 3 5/8, which would be said as "three and five-eighths".

Having been brought up by an engineer in the imperial system, I'm happy with all powers of two up to sixty-fourths being expressed as a full fraction, thus 3/8 is three eighths and I would look askance and "three over eight" which has an 'amateur' sound to it.

sequioa knows about the other ways of expressing a fraction, but has asked specifically about the phrasing, "three over eight", which is possible, in my experience.

Why do you want to use the "three over eight" form, sequoia? I assume you have a reason for asking this question. It would be interesting to know, and it might enable people to be more helpful.