Fraction Calculator

Calculate with fractions easily using our free online calculator. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with instant results.

Features

• Basic fraction operations:
  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
• Automatic fraction simplification
• Mixed number results
• Step-by-step explanations
• Mobile-friendly interface
• No registration required

How to Use

1. Enter the numerator and denominator for the first fraction
2. Enter the numerator and denominator for the second fraction
3. Choose the operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide)
4. Click "Calculate" to see the result
5. Results are automatically simplified and shown in mixed number format when appropriate

Understanding Fractions

Fractions are everywhere—recipes, measurements, math problems. They represent parts of a whole. The top number (numerator) tells you how many parts you have, and the bottom number (denominator) tells you how many equal parts make up the whole. So 3/4 means you have 3 out of 4 equal parts. Simple enough, but working with fractions gets complicated quickly.

The numerator is the number above the fraction line. It's the part you're working with. In 3/4, 3 is the numerator—you have 3 parts. The denominator is below the line. It's the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into. In 3/4, 4 is the denominator—the whole is divided into 4 parts.

Proper fractions have numerators smaller than denominators. 3/4 is proper. 1/2, 2/5, 7/8—all proper. Improper fractions have numerators equal to or larger than denominators. 5/4 is improper (5 is bigger than 4). 4/4 is also improper (numerator equals denominator, which equals 1 whole). Mixed numbers combine whole numbers with fractions. 1 3/4 means one whole plus three quarters. Improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers—5/4 becomes 1 1/4.

Adding and subtracting fractions requires a common denominator. You can't just add 1/3 and 1/4 directly—the denominators are different. First, find a common denominator. The easiest way is to multiply the denominators together. For 1/3 and 1/4, the common denominator is 12 (3 × 4). Convert 1/3 to 4/12 and 1/4 to 3/12. Now you can add them: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12. Same process for subtraction.

Multiplying fractions is actually easier—just multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. 1/2 × 3/4 = (1 × 3)/(2 × 4) = 3/8. No need for common denominators. Just multiply straight across. Dividing fractions is similar, but you flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal) and then multiply. 1/2 ÷ 3/4 becomes 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6, which simplifies to 2/3.

Simplifying fractions means reducing them to their lowest terms. 4/8 can be simplified to 1/2 by dividing both numerator and denominator by 4. 6/9 simplifies to 2/3 by dividing by 3. You simplify by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it. This makes fractions easier to work with and understand.

Cooking constantly uses fractions. Recipes call for 1/2 cup, 3/4 teaspoon, 2 1/2 tablespoons. When you're scaling a recipe up or down, you need to work with fractions. Doubling a recipe that calls for 3/4 cup means you need 1 1/2 cups. Halving 2/3 cup means 1/3 cup. Calculating with fractions in the kitchen helps you get measurements right.

Construction and building use fractions for precise measurements. Lumber might be 2 1/4 inches thick. Dimensions on blueprints use fractions. When you're cutting materials or measuring spaces, fractions give you the precision whole numbers can't. A board that's 5 3/8 inches wide needs accurate fraction work if you're cutting pieces from it.

Math classes constantly involve fractions. Elementary school teaches basic fractions. Middle school expands to operations. High school uses fractions in algebra, geometry, and other advanced math. Homework problems require adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. Having a calculator that handles these operations correctly saves time and helps you focus on understanding concepts rather than getting stuck on arithmetic.

Measurement conversions sometimes involve fractions. When you're converting between units, you might end up with fractional results. 1.5 cups might be expressed as 1 1/2 cups. Working comfortably with both decimals and fractions helps when you're converting measurements or working with different systems.

Problem solving and real-world math use fractions constantly. If you need 2/3 of something and you have 4 units, that's 2 2/3 units. If a recipe serves 6 but you're cooking for 4, you need to scale everything by 4/6, which simplifies to 2/3. Fractions help you work with parts of things in a way that's intuitive once you understand them.

Comparing fractions can be tricky. Which is bigger, 3/5 or 5/8? To compare, find a common denominator. Convert both to 40ths: 3/5 = 24/40 and 5/8 = 25/40. So 5/8 is bigger. Or convert to decimals: 3/5 = 0.6 and 5/8 = 0.625. Either way works, but understanding fractions helps you think about the relationships.

This calculator handles all the fraction operations automatically. Add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions, and it gives you the answer in simplified form. It converts improper fractions to mixed numbers. It shows step-by-step how the calculation works. No need to find common denominators manually or worry about simplification. Just enter your fractions and get accurate results instantly.

Common Fraction Operations

Addition and Subtraction

• Find a common denominator
• Add or subtract the numerators
• Simplify the result

Multiplication

• Multiply the numerators
• Multiply the denominators
• Simplify the result

Division

• Multiply by the reciprocal
• Simplify the result

Common Applications

Cooking

• Recipe measurements
• Ingredient scaling
• Portion calculations

Construction

• Measurements
• Material calculations
• Blueprint reading

Education

• Math homework
• Teaching fractions
• Problem solving

Why Use Our Calculator

• Instant calculations
• Automatic simplification
• Clear explanations
• User-friendly interface
• Works offline
• Free to use