The fraction calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides fractions and shows every step. It works with mixed numbers, whole numbers, negative fractions and decimals, and with three or more fractions at once. Every answer comes in simplest form, as a mixed number, a decimal and a percent.
Leave “whole” empty for a simple fraction. For a mixed number such as 2 1/3, type 2 in “whole”. Use a minus sign for negatives.
Works with whole numbers, mixed numbers, negative fractions and decimals. Answers are exact and always in simplest form.
In short: Type fractions in the boxes, or type a whole calculation such as 2 1/3 + 3/4 × 2. The calculator finds a common denominator for + and −, multiplies straight across for ×, flips the second fraction for ÷, and simplifies at the end.
How to Use the Fraction Calculator
- Fraction boxes: type the top number (numerator) and bottom number (denominator) of each fraction. For a mixed number such as 2 1/3, put 2 in the “whole” box. Pick +, −, × or ÷ between them, and press + Add a fraction for up to four fractions.
- Type a calculation: use “/” for fractions and a space for mixed numbers, for example
3 1/2 ÷ 1/3or(1/2 + 1/3) × 6. You can also type “of”, as in1/3 of 1/2, and decimals such as0.375. - Read the steps. Each step shows the rule and your numbers, so you can copy the working into homework.
What the Calculator Can Do
| You want to… | Type this | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Add fractions with different denominators | 1/2 + 2/5 | 9/10 |
| Subtract mixed numbers | 3 1/2 − 1 1/3 | 13/6 = 2 1/6 |
| Multiply a fraction by a whole number | 2/3 × 2 | 4/3 = 1 1/3 |
| Multiply three fractions | 1/2 × 1/2 × 1/2 | 1/8 |
| Divide fractions | 2/3 ÷ 1/2 | 4/3 = 1 1/3 |
| Find a fraction of a fraction | 1/3 of 1/2 | 1/6 |
| Simplify a fraction | 18/24 | 3/4 |
| Turn a decimal into a fraction | 0.375 | 3/8 |
Answers are exact. The calculator keeps fractions exact instead of rounding them to decimals, so 1/3 stays 1/3 instead of becoming 0.333. When the decimal repeats, it marks the repeating digits, for example 5/6 = 0.83.
How the Fraction Calculator Works
| Operation | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Add or subtract | Use a common denominator, then add or subtract the numerators | 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 |
| Multiply | Multiply the numerators, then the denominators | 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2 |
| Divide | Keep the first fraction, change ÷ to ×, flip the second | 2/3 ÷ 1/2 = 2/3 × 2/1 = 4/3 |
| Mixed numbers | Change to improper fractions first | 2 1/3 = (2 × 3 + 1)/3 = 7/3 |
| Simplify | Divide the top and bottom by their greatest common factor | 18/24 = 3/4 (÷ 6) |
With more than one operation, it follows the order of operations: brackets first, then × and ÷, then + and −. So 1/2 + 1/3 × 6 = 1/2 + 2 = 5/2, but (1/2 + 1/3) × 6 = 5.
Worked Examples
Example: 2 1/3 + 3/4. Change 2 1/3 to 7/3. The least common denominator of 3 and 4 is 12, so 7/3 = 28/12 and 3/4 = 9/12. Add: 28/12 + 9/12 = 37/12 = 3 1/12.
Example: 3 1/3 ÷ 2. Change 3 1/3 to 10/3 and write 2 as 2/1. Flip and multiply: 10/3 × 1/2 = 10/6 = 5/3 = 1 2/3.
Example: 2 1/3 − 2/3. Change 2 1/3 to 7/3. The denominators match, so subtract the tops: 7/3 − 2/3 = 5/3 = 1 2/3.
Learn the Methods Step by Step
- How to add fractions: like and unlike denominators, mixed numbers and whole numbers.
- How to subtract fractions: including borrowing with mixed numbers.
- How to multiply fractions: fractions, whole numbers and “of” problems.
- How to divide fractions: the keep, change, flip method.
- Mixed numbers and improper fractions: how to switch between them.
- How to simplify fractions: lowest terms using the greatest common factor.
- How to do fractions on a calculator: TI-84, Casio and phone calculators.
- Fraction, decimal and percent chart: a free printable chart.
Fraction Calculator: FAQ
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
Find a common denominator, usually the least common denominator, and rewrite each fraction with it. Then add the numerators and keep the denominator. For example, 1/2 + 2/5 = 5/10 + 4/10 = 9/10.
How do you multiply a fraction by a whole number?
Write the whole number over 1 and multiply straight across. For example, 2/3 × 2 = 2/3 × 2/1 = 4/3, which is 1 1/3 as a mixed number.
How do you divide fractions?
Keep the first fraction, change ÷ to ×, and flip the second fraction. For example, 2/3 ÷ 1/2 = 2/3 × 2/1 = 4/3.
Can the fraction calculator work with mixed numbers?
Yes. Type the whole number, a space and the fraction, such as 2 1/3, or use the whole box. The calculator changes mixed numbers to improper fractions before it works.
Can I calculate with three or more fractions?
Yes. Add up to four fractions in the boxes, or type a longer calculation such as 1/2 × 1/2 × 1/2. The calculator follows the order of operations.
Does it work with negative fractions?
Yes. Put a minus sign in front of the fraction or whole number, for example −3/4 + 1/2 = −1/4.
Is the fraction calculator free?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up and runs in your browser.
Sources and Further Reading
- OpenStax, Prealgebra 2e, Section 4.2: Multiply and Divide Fractions, Rice University.
- OpenStax, Prealgebra 2e, Section 4.3: Multiply and Divide Mixed Numbers and Complex Fractions.
- OpenStax, Prealgebra, Section 4.6: Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers.
- Common Core Grade 5: Number and Operations, Fractions.
Also try the equivalent fractions calculator, the percentage calculator and the scientific calculator.