Last updated: March 2026
What is a Fraction Calculator?
A fraction calculator performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on fractions and mixed numbers. It handles finding common denominators, simplifying results, and converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages — all with step-by-step explanations.
Fractions are used extensively in cooking, construction, and music. The most common fractions in everyday use are halves, thirds, quarters, and eighths.
Unlike other fraction calculators that just show the answer, this tool shows every step of the solution so you can learn the process. It's like having a free math tutor that never gets tired of explaining.
How to Use This Fraction Calculator
Calculator mode: Choose an operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide), enter two fractions with optional whole numbers for mixed numbers, and click Calculate. The result appears as a simplified fraction, mixed number, decimal, and percentage.
Simplify mode: Enter any fraction and instantly see it reduced to its simplest form with the GCD calculation shown step-by-step.
Convert mode: Switch between fraction-to-decimal and decimal-to-fraction conversion. A reference table of common equivalents is always visible.
Key Features
Step-by-Step Solutions. Every calculation shows the complete process — finding the LCD, converting fractions, performing the operation, simplifying, and converting to mixed numbers. What Mathway and Symbolab charge for, we provide free.
Visual Fraction Bars. See colored bar visualizations of your fractions and results. Visual learners can immediately grasp what 3/4 or 7/8 actually represents.
Mixed Number Support. Enter whole numbers alongside fractions (like 2¾) and get results in both improper fraction and mixed number form.
How to Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Fractions
Adding and subtracting require a common denominator. Find the LCD, convert both fractions, then add or subtract the numerators. Example: 2/3 + 1/4 → LCD = 12 → 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.
Multiplying is simpler — multiply straight across. Numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator. Example: 2/3 × 4/5 = 8/15. No common denominator needed.
Dividing uses the "keep, change, flip" method. Keep the first fraction, change to multiplication, flip the second fraction. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of both fractions. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD. Then add the numerators and keep the LCD. For example: 1/3 + 1/4 → LCD is 12 → 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
How do you simplify a fraction?
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by it. For example: 24/36 → GCD(24,36) = 12 → 24÷12 / 36÷12 = 2/3. A fraction is fully simplified when the GCD is 1.
What is a mixed number?
A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction, like 2¾. It means 2 + 3/4. To convert to an improper fraction: multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator. So 2¾ = (2×4+3)/4 = 11/4.
How do you multiply fractions?
Multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. For example: 2/3 × 4/5 = (2×4)/(3×5) = 8/15. You don't need a common denominator for multiplication. Simplify the result if possible.
How do you divide fractions?
Flip the second fraction (take its reciprocal) and multiply. For example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6. Remember: 'Keep, Change, Flip' — keep the first fraction, change to multiplication, flip the second.
What is the Least Common Denominator (LCD)?
The LCD is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. For 3 and 4, the LCD is 12. Find it by calculating LCD = (a × b) / GCD(a, b). You need the LCD to add or subtract fractions with different denominators.