Work with fractions the easy way
Fractions come up everywhere: recipes, measurements, woodworking, homework and exams. This fraction calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides two fractions or mixed numbers, simplifies the answer automatically and also shows it as a mixed number and a decimal. Every calculation includes the working, so you can check your own steps or learn the method.
Features
- Four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
- Mixed numbers such as 3 ½ and negative values.
- Automatic simplification to lowest terms.
- Three answer formats: improper fraction, mixed number and decimal.
- Step-by-step working with the common denominator or reciprocal.
- Instant results as you type, on any device.
Fraction rules at a glance
| Operation | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Add | Common denominator, add numerators | 1/4 + 2/3 = 3/12 + 8/12 = 11/12 |
| Subtract | Common denominator, subtract numerators | 3/4 − 1/6 = 9/12 − 2/12 = 7/12 |
| Multiply | Numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator | 2/5 × 3/4 = 6/20 = 3/10 |
| Divide | Multiply by the reciprocal | 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6 |
Mixed numbers and improper fractions
A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction, such as 2 ¾. An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator, such as 11/4. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator: 2 ¾ = (2 × 4 + 3)/4 = 11/4. To go back, divide: 11 ÷ 4 = 2 remainder 3, so 11/4 = 2 ¾. The calculator does both conversions for you.
Common fractions as decimals and percentages
| Fraction | Decimal | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 0.333… | 33.3% |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 75% |
To work out percentages of amounts, use the Percentage Calculator. For longer expressions with powers and roots, try the Scientific Calculator.