Introduction
A fraction calculator helps you add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions quickly and correctly. Fractions can be tricky to work with by hand, especially when the denominators (bottom numbers) are different. This tool does the hard work for you so you can get the right answer every time. Just enter your fractions, pick the operation you want, and the calculator will show you the result in its simplest form.
How to Use Our Fraction Calculator
Enter two fractions and pick an operation to get your answer. The calculator will show the result as a simplified fraction.
First Fraction (Numerator): Type the top number of your first fraction. This is the number above the fraction line. For example, in 3/4, the numerator is 3.
First Fraction (Denominator): Type the bottom number of your first fraction. This is the number below the fraction line. For example, in 3/4, the denominator is 4. This number cannot be zero.
Operation: Choose the math operation you want to perform. You can pick addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), or division (÷) to combine the two fractions.
Second Fraction (Numerator): Type the top number of your second fraction. This works the same way as the first numerator.
Second Fraction (Denominator): Type the bottom number of your second fraction. Just like the first denominator, this number cannot be zero.
Fraction Calculator
A fraction is a way to show a part of a whole number. It has two parts: a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). The numerator tells you how many parts you have, and the denominator tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into. For example, in the fraction ¾, the 3 is the numerator and the 4 is the denominator. This means you have 3 out of 4 equal parts.
How Fraction Math Works
You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions just like whole numbers, but the steps are a little different.
- Adding and subtracting fractions: The denominators must be the same before you can add or subtract. If they are different, you need to find a common denominator. This is a number that both denominators can divide into evenly — you can use our LCM Calculator to quickly find the least common multiple of two denominators. Once the denominators match, you add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
- Multiplying fractions: This is the easiest operation. Simply multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together.
- Dividing fractions: To divide, you flip the second fraction upside down (this is called the reciprocal) and then multiply.
Simplifying Fractions
After solving a fraction problem, you should always simplify your answer. To simplify, find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator using a tool like our GCF Calculator. Then divide both numbers by it. For example, 6/8 simplifies to ¾ because the GCF of 6 and 8 is 2. A fraction is fully simplified when no number other than 1 divides evenly into both the numerator and the denominator. Breaking numbers down with our Prime Factorization Calculator can also help you identify common factors quickly.
Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
When the numerator is bigger than the denominator, you have an improper fraction, like 7/4. You can turn this into a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 7 ÷ 4 = 1 with a remainder of 3, so 7/4 becomes 1¾. Mixed numbers and improper fractions mean the same thing — they are just written differently. If you're working with fractions as part of a larger math problem, you may also find our Percentage Calculator or Percent Change Calculator helpful for converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages.