Fraction Calculator — Free Online Tool with Steps

Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify fractions instantly. Supports mixed numbers, improper fractions, and whole numbers with detailed step-by-step solutions.

A fraction calculator is a free online tool that lets you add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify fractions. Enter any proper fraction, improper fraction, mixed number, or whole number and get the answer instantly — along with a detailed step-by-step solution showing exactly how the result was calculated.

Fraction Calculator

Result

How Do You Use This Fraction Calculator?

Get your answer in three simple steps.

1

Choose Operation

Select add, subtract, multiply, divide, or simplify using the tabs above the calculator.

2

Enter Fractions

Type your fractions into the input fields. Use the whole number box for mixed numbers like 2 ¾, or leave it at 0 for simple fractions.

3

Get Results

Hit "Calculate" to see the simplified answer and the decimal equivalent. Click "Show Step-by-Step" to see the full solution.

What Are Fractions?

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of two numbers separated by a line: the numerator (top number) tells you how many parts you have, while the denominator (bottom number) tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

For example, ¾ means you have 3 parts out of 4 equal parts. Fractions are used everywhere — from cooking and measurements to engineering and finance. Understanding how to work with fractions is a foundational math skill that unlocks more advanced concepts like ratios, proportions, and algebra.

There are several types: proper fractions (numerator < denominator, like ⅔), improper fractions (numerator > denominator, like 7/4), and mixed numbers that combine a whole number with a fraction (like 1 ¾).

¾ = three-quarters

How Do Fraction Operations Work?

A compact guide to the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.

Operation Rule Example
Addition (+) Find a common denominator, add numerators, then simplify. 1/3 + 1/6 = 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2
Subtraction (−) Find a common denominator, subtract numerators, then simplify. 3/4 − 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2
Multiplication (×) Multiply numerators together, multiply denominators together, then simplify. 2/3 × 3/5 = 6/15 = 2/5
Division (÷) Flip the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply, then simplify. 1/2 ÷ 3/4 = 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6 = 2/3

Fraction Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions

To add fractions with different denominators, first find the Least Common Denominator (LCD). Convert each fraction so they share that denominator, then add the numerators and keep the common denominator. Finally, simplify the result if possible. For example, 1/3 + 1/4: the LCD is 12, so you get 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction, such as 2 ¾. To use mixed numbers in calculations, you can convert them to improper fractions first: multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place over the original denominator. So 2 ¾ becomes (2 × 4 + 3) / 4 = 11/4.
Multiplying fractions is straightforward: multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator. Then simplify the resulting fraction by dividing both by their Greatest Common Factor (GCF). For example, 2/3 × 3/5 = 6/15 = 2/5.
To divide fractions, flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal) and then multiply. For example, 1/2 ÷ 3/4 becomes 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6, which simplifies to 2/3. This "Keep, Change, Flip" method works for all fraction division problems.
Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Factor (GCF). For example, 6/8 simplifies to 3/4 because the GCF of 6 and 8 is 2. A fraction is fully simplified when the numerator and denominator share no common factors other than 1.
Yes! This calculator fully supports improper fractions (where the numerator is larger than the denominator, such as 7/4), proper fractions, mixed numbers, and whole numbers. Results are automatically shown in simplified form and as a mixed number when applicable.
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place the result over the original denominator. For example, 3 ½ becomes (3 × 2 + 1) / 2 = 7/2. This process makes it easy to use mixed numbers in any fraction calculation.
Yes, this fraction calculator is completely free with no sign-up required. You can perform unlimited calculations with step-by-step solutions on any device — desktop, tablet, or phone.
1/2 plus 1/3 equals 5/6. To add these fractions, find the least common denominator, which is 6. Convert 1/2 to 3/6 and 1/3 to 2/6, then add the numerators: 3 + 2 = 5. The result is 5/6, which is already in simplest form.
To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, find their least common denominator, rewrite both fractions with that denominator, subtract the numerators, and simplify. For example, 3/4 − 1/3: the LCD is 12, giving 9/12 − 4/12 = 5/12.