User Guide
- Enter your two fractions — use the small box for the whole-number part of mixed numbers like 1 ½.
- Pick the operation: add, subtract, multiply or divide.
- Read the simplified result as a mixed number, improper fraction and decimal.
- Open the step-by-step working to see exactly how it was solved — LCD, rewriting and simplification.
About the Fraction Calculator
This calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides fractions and mixed numbers — and unlike a plain calculator, it shows the working. Every answer comes with the step-by-step method: converting mixed numbers, finding the lowest common denominator, and simplifying by the GCD. That makes it a checking tool for homework, not just an answer machine.
A worked example: 2/3 + 3/4
You can’t add fractions with different denominators directly. The LCD of 3 and 4 is 12, so rewrite: 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12. Add the numerators: 8 + 9 = 17, giving 17/12 — an improper fraction, which as a mixed number is 1 5/12 (≈ 1.4167). That’s exactly the four-step working the calculator prints for every problem, with your numbers.
The rules, one line each
Add/subtract: rewrite over the LCD, then add or subtract numerators. Multiply: multiply straight across — (2/3) × (3/4) = 6/12 = 1/2. Divide: flip the second fraction and multiply — (2/3) ÷ (3/4) = (2/3) × (4/3) = 8/9. Always simplify: divide numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor.
Beyond homework
Fractions show up wherever measurements do. Cooking: halving a recipe that calls for ¾ cup means ¾ ÷ 2 = 3/8 cup. Woodwork and DIY: imperial measurements live in eighths and sixteenths of an inch — adding 5/8″ + 13/16″ (= 1 7/16″) is this calculator’s bread and butter. Sewing, 3D printing, music note values — anywhere quantities split into parts.
For converting a fraction to a percentage (17/20 = 85%), the Percentage Calculator is one step; for decimal-heavy work, the Scientific Calculator sits alongside. Free, instant, with nothing sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
Rewrite both over the lowest common denominator, then add the numerators. Example: 2/3 + 3/4 → LCD 12 → 8/12 + 9/12 = 17/12 = 1 5/12. The calculator prints these exact steps.
How do you divide fractions?
Multiply by the reciprocal: flip the second fraction and multiply straight across. (2/3) ÷ (3/4) = (2/3) × (4/3) = 8/9.
Does it handle mixed numbers like 1 ½?
Yes — use the small whole-number box next to each fraction. Mixed numbers are converted to improper fractions first, and the result is shown both ways.
Does it show the working?
Yes — every calculation includes the step-by-step method: converting mixed numbers, finding the LCD, and simplifying by the GCD. Ideal for checking homework, not just answers.
How does it simplify fractions?
It divides the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). 6/12 simplifies by GCD 6 to 1/2, and the step is shown.