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. This fraction calculator solves the problem and shows you how the process works 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.
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. It is the least common multiple of the 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.
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.
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.
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. This calculator handles these conversions automatically and shows you each step so you can check the work or learn the process.