Fraction Calculator

What is the Fraction Calculator?

The Fraction Calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides fractions and mixed numbers, and shows the working: the common denominator, the converted fractions, the raw result and the simplified answer, plus the decimal equivalent. It is built for checking homework, for the kitchen and workshop where measurements come in halves and eighths, and for anyone who wants to see how the answer was reached rather than just get a number. It runs in your browser.

How to use it

1. Enter the first fraction: numerator, denominator and, for mixed numbers, the whole part.
2. Choose the operation.
3. Enter the second fraction and click Calculate.
4. Read the simplified result, the decimal, and expand the steps.

The rules, briefly

• Add and subtract: convert to a common denominator (the least common multiple is tidiest), then add or subtract the numerators.
• Multiply: numerators times numerators, denominators times denominators, then simplify. Cancel common factors first to keep the numbers small.
• Divide: flip the second fraction and multiply.
• Simplify: divide top and bottom by their greatest common divisor.
• Mixed numbers: convert to improper fractions first (2½ = 5/2), work, then convert back.

Why these rules work, not just what they are, and where fractions actually turn up (recipes, timber, tyre sizes, music, odds) is in fractions explained properly.

Common mistakes

• Adding denominators (1/2 + 1/3 is not 2/5).
• Forgetting to flip when dividing.
• Leaving an answer unsimplified (6/8 should be 3/4).
• Mixing the whole number into the wrong place when converting mixed numbers.

Related tools

Turn a fraction into a percentage with the Percentage Calculator, do more complex maths in the Scientific Calculator, and convert measurement units with the Unit Converter.

Frequently asked questions

Does it handle negative fractions?

Yes. Put the minus sign on the numerator or whole part.

Can I enter a decimal?

Enter it as a fraction (0.75 as 75/100) and the tool simplifies it to 3/4.

Does it show the steps?

Yes. Expand the working under the result.