Fraction Calculator
Perform calculations with fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals with step-by-step solutions and simplified results. Perfect for cooking, construction, and educational applications with precise fraction operations.
Complete Guide: Fraction Calculator
Everything you need to know about using this tool effectively
This fraction calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides fractions and mixed numbers. Enter two fractions, choose an operation, and get the result simplified to lowest terms along with its decimal equivalent. The tool shows each step including finding common denominators, performing the arithmetic, and reducing the result.
Fraction arithmetic follows specific rules for each operation. Addition and subtraction require a common denominator, achieved by cross-multiplying or finding the least common multiple. Multiplication multiplies numerators together and denominators together. Division flips the second fraction and multiplies. After computing, the result is reduced by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. This calculator performs all of these steps automatically and displays each one so you can follow the algebra from start to finish. Mixed numbers are converted to improper fractions internally and converted back for display when needed.
Math Homework
Students check fraction addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems against the step-by-step solution.
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Home cooks scale recipes by multiplying or dividing ingredient fractions to adjust serving sizes.
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Carpenters add and subtract fractional inches when calculating board lengths and cut dimensions.
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Analysts work with fractional share quantities and percentage-based splits that reduce to fraction form.
Science Lab Work
Researchers combine fractional measurements when mixing solutions or calculating ratios.
Enter the First Fraction
Type the numerator and denominator into the first pair of fields. For mixed numbers, also enter the whole number part.
Select the Operation
Choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division from the operation dropdown.
Enter the Second Fraction
Type the numerator and denominator for the second fraction in the remaining fields.
Click Calculate
The calculator performs the operation, simplifies the result, and shows every step in between.
Review and Copy
Read the step-by-step solution and copy the simplified fraction or decimal for your work.
When adding or subtracting, find the least common denominator first. This makes the arithmetic simpler and the result easier to reduce.
To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal. For example, (a/b) / (c/d) equals (a/b) * (d/c).
Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before calculating to avoid errors. Convert back at the end if needed.
Check your answer by converting both the original fractions and the result to decimals. If the decimal math does not match, re-check your inputs.
For large numerators and denominators, let the calculator find the GCD rather than guessing. Prime factorization by hand is error-prone.
How do I add fractions with different denominators?
Find a common denominator, convert both fractions, then add the numerators. For 1/3 + 1/4, the common denominator is 12, so you get 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12. The calculator handles this automatically.
What is a mixed number?
A mixed number combines a whole number with a proper fraction, like 2 1/2. It is equivalent to the improper fraction 5/2. The calculator accepts both forms as input.
How does the calculator simplify fractions?
It finds the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator and divides both by that value. For example, 8/12 simplifies to 2/3 because GCD(8,12) = 4.
Can I multiply fractions directly?
Yes. Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify. (2/3) * (3/4) = 6/12 = 1/2.
How do I divide one fraction by another?
Flip the second fraction and multiply. (2/3) / (3/4) becomes (2/3) * (4/3) = 8/9. The calculator performs this flip-and-multiply step and shows the work.
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