Math calculators

Fraction Calculator

Updated May 20, 2026 By Jehan Wadia

Enter an expression like 1/3 + 1/4 or 2 3/4 × 1/2


Result

Fraction

Mixed Number

Decimal

Step-by-Step Solution

Enter an expression and click Calculate to see steps.


Introduction

This fraction calculator lets you add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions, mixed numbers, and whole numbers with ease. Type in an expression like 1/3 + 1/4 or 2 3/4 × 1/2, and the tool will give you the answer as a fraction, mixed number, and decimal. It also shows a step-by-step solution so you can follow along and understand how the math works.

Use the Arithmetic tab to solve fraction problems, the Simplify tab to reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, or the Convert tab to switch between fractions, decimals, and percentages. Whether you're checking homework, studying for a test, or just need a quick answer, this fraction calculator does the work for you and teaches you the process at the same time.

How to use our Fraction Calculator

Enter fractions, mixed numbers, or decimals into the input field, and this calculator will give you the answer as a fraction, mixed number, and decimal, along with a step-by-step solution.

Choose a mode: Select the Arithmetic tab to add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions. Select the Simplify tab to reduce a fraction to its lowest terms. Select the Convert tab to change between fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages.

Enter your expression: Type directly into the input field or use the on-screen keypad. You can enter simple fractions like 3/4, mixed numbers like 2 3/4 (type the whole number, a space, then the fraction), or decimals like 0.75. For arithmetic, place an operator (+, , ×, or ÷) between two numbers. If you're working specifically with mixed numbers, you may also find our dedicated Mixed Number Calculator helpful.

Use the keypad: Tap the number buttons to enter digits, the button to create a fraction bar, and the (space) button to separate a whole number from a fraction when typing a mixed number. Click Full Pad to reveal extra keys for parentheses, arrow navigation, and exponents.

Calculate: Press the Calculate button or the = key on the keypad to see your result. The answer will appear as a fraction, mixed number, and decimal in the result cards below the input field.

Review the steps: Scroll down to the Step-by-Step Solution section to see exactly how the answer was found, including finding the LCD, simplifying with the GCD, or flipping the divisor for division problems.

Reset: Click the Reset button to clear your work and start a new calculation with a sample expression already loaded for the current mode.

Fraction Calculator

A fraction is a number that represents a part of a whole. It is written as two numbers separated by a line: the top number is called the numerator and the bottom number is called the denominator. For example, in the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3 and the denominator is 4. This means you have 3 out of 4 equal parts.

This fraction calculator lets you add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions in three easy modes. Arithmetic mode solves expressions like 1/3 + 1/4 or 2 3/4 × 1/2. Simplify mode reduces a fraction to its lowest terms — for instance, it turns 8/12 into 2/3. Convert mode switches between fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages so you can see the same value written different ways.

How to Add and Subtract Fractions

To add or subtract fractions, you first need a common denominator. That means both fractions must have the same bottom number. You find the least common denominator (LCD), which is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. You can use our LCM Calculator to quickly find the least common multiple of two denominators. Then you rewrite each fraction so it uses the LCD, combine the numerators, and simplify the result. For example, to solve 1/3 + 1/4, the LCD is 12. Rewrite the fractions as 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

How to Multiply Fractions

Multiplying fractions is simpler than adding them. You multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, then multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator. For example, 2/3 × 3/5 = 6/15, which simplifies to 2/5. You do not need a common denominator when multiplying.

How to Divide Fractions

To divide fractions, you flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal) and then multiply. For example, 3/4 ÷ 2/5 becomes 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8. As a mixed number, that is 1 7/8. If you need to perform more complex division problems, our Long Division Calculator can help with the numerator-by-denominator step.

Simplifying Fractions

A fraction is in its simplest form when the numerator and denominator share no common factor other than 1. To simplify, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers and divide the top and bottom by it. For example, the GCD of 8 and 12 is 4, so 8/12 simplifies to 2/3. Our GCF Calculator can find the greatest common factor for you, and our Prime Factorization Calculator can show you the factor breakdown of any number.

Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

A mixed number combines a whole number with a fraction, like 2 3/4. An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator, like 11/4. These two forms represent the same value. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and keep the same denominator. So 2 3/4 becomes (2 × 4 + 3)/4 = 11/4. To go the other way, divide the numerator by the denominator — the quotient is the whole part and the remainder is the new numerator. For dedicated mixed number arithmetic, try our Mixed Number Calculator.

Converting Between Fractions and Decimals

To turn a fraction into a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/8 = 0.375. To turn a decimal into a fraction, place the decimal number over a power of 10. For example, 0.75 = 75/100, which simplifies to 3/4. Our Decimal to Fraction Calculator is designed specifically for this conversion if you need a dedicated tool. This calculator handles these conversions automatically and shows you each step so you can check the work or learn the process. You might also find our Percentage Calculator useful when you need to express fractions as percentages, or our Ratio Calculator when working with proportional relationships between numbers.


Frequently asked questions

What is a fraction?

A fraction is a number that shows a part of a whole. It has two parts: a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). For example, 3/4 means 3 out of 4 equal parts.

Can I use negative fractions in this calculator?

Yes. You can enter negative fractions like -3/4 or negative mixed numbers like -2 3/4. The calculator handles negative signs in the numerator, denominator, or whole number part.

How do I type a mixed number into the calculator?

Type the whole number, press the space button (␣ on the keypad), then type the fraction. For example, for two and three-fourths, type 2 3/4. The calculator will display it with a whole number next to a stacked fraction.

Can I do more than one operation at a time?

Yes. You can type expressions with multiple operations like 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/6. The calculator follows the standard order of operations, so multiplication and division are done before addition and subtraction.

What does LCD mean?

LCD stands for Least Common Denominator. It is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. You need the LCD when adding or subtracting fractions so they share the same bottom number.

What does GCD mean?

GCD stands for Greatest Common Divisor. It is the largest number that divides evenly into both the numerator and denominator. You divide both by the GCD to simplify a fraction to its lowest terms.

What is the difference between an improper fraction and a mixed number?

An improper fraction has a numerator bigger than its denominator, like 7/4. A mixed number shows the same value as a whole number plus a fraction, like 1 3/4. They mean the same thing, just written differently.

Does the calculator show its work?

Yes. After you press Calculate, scroll down to the Step-by-Step Solution section. It shows each step, including finding the LCD, converting fractions, combining numerators, and simplifying with the GCD.

Can I use decimals in the input?

Yes. You can enter decimals like 0.75 or 1.5. The calculator will convert them to fractions automatically and include them in the calculation.

Can I use parentheses?

Yes. Click the Full Pad button to show extra keys including parentheses. You can group parts of an expression, like (1/2 + 1/3) × 2, and the calculator will handle the order correctly.

Does the calculator support exponents?

Yes, but only positive whole number exponents. Click Full Pad to see the ^ button. For example, (2/3)^3 will calculate 2/3 raised to the third power, which is 8/27.

What happens if I divide by zero?

The calculator will show an error message. Dividing by zero is not allowed in math, so any expression that results in a zero denominator will display Division by zero as an error.

Is the answer always simplified?

Yes. The calculator automatically reduces every answer to its simplest form by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor.

Can I use my keyboard instead of the on-screen keypad?

Yes. Click on the input field and type with your keyboard. Use / for the fraction bar, * for multiplication, and press Enter to calculate. You can also hide the on-screen keypad by clicking Hide Keypad.

What is a reciprocal?

A reciprocal is a fraction flipped upside down. The reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3. When you divide fractions, you multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction instead of dividing directly.

Why does the result show three different formats?

The calculator displays your answer as a fraction, a mixed number, and a decimal so you can use whichever form you need. All three represent the same value.