Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and get the answer fully simplified, as a decimal, and as a mixed number.
To add or subtract fractions, they must share a common denominator. Find a common denominator (the easiest is multiplying the two denominators), convert each fraction, then add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator. Finally, simplify. This calculator does every step for you and reduces the answer to lowest terms.
Example: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
Multiplying is the simplest operation: multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify. Dividing means multiplying by the reciprocal — flip the second fraction and multiply.
A fraction is simplified when the numerator and denominator share no common factor other than 1. To reduce, divide both by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 8/12 has a GCD of 4, so it simplifies to 2/3. This calculator always returns the fully reduced form.
An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator (like 7/4). A mixed number expresses the same value as a whole number plus a proper fraction (1 3/4). Both are correct — mixed numbers are often easier to picture, while improper fractions are easier to compute with. The calculator shows both.
Convert both fractions to a common denominator, add the numerators, then simplify. For 1/2 + 1/3, use a common denominator of 6: 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second — flip the second fraction's numerator and denominator, then multiply across. 1/2 ÷ 3/4 becomes 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6 = 2/3.
Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. 8/12 divided by 4 gives 2/3, which cannot be reduced further.
A mixed number combines a whole number with a proper fraction, such as 2 1/3. It represents the same value as the improper fraction 7/3.