What fraction of the Senate is required to convict an executive in an impeachment trial?

To convict an executive in an impeachment trial, a two-thirds fraction of the Senate is required. This requirement is established in the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 3, which states that "Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law."

The rationale behind the necessity of a two-thirds majority is to ensure that impeachment and conviction reflect a substantial consensus among Senators, given the gravity of removing a sitting president or other high-ranking officials from office. A simple majority would not provide the same level of assurance regarding the seriousness of the matter, while requiring a higher fraction like three-fourths would be even more challenging and could obstruct the process. Thus, the two-thirds rule strikes a balance between sufficient support for conviction and maintaining a practical legislative process.