Fraction Calculator

Enter two fractions and pick add, subtract, multiply or divide. The result comes back simplified, as a mixed number where relevant, and as a decimal, with the steps shown rather than just the answer.

Adding and subtracting — the common denominator step

Fractions with different denominators can't be added directly; both need rewriting over a shared denominator first. 1/2 + 1/3 becomes 3/6 + 2/6 by scaling each fraction to sixths, then the numerators add to give 5/6. This calculator finds the lowest common denominator automatically and shows the rewritten fractions, which is normally the part people get stuck on by hand.

Multiplying and dividing — no common denominator needed

Multiplication is the simpler operation: multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify. Division flips the second fraction and multiplies — dividing by 1/3 is the same as multiplying by 3/1. Neither operation needs a common denominator, which is why they're often easier than addition despite looking more complex.

Simplifying and mixed numbers

Every result is reduced to lowest terms by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor — 4/8 comes back as 1/2, not left unreduced. When the numerator exceeds the denominator, the mixed-number form is shown alongside the improper fraction, e.g. 11/4 as 2¾, since that's usually the more useful form for real-world measurements like cooking or carpentry.