Quick start
- Enter the first fraction. Leave Whole blank for a simple fraction like 1/2.
- Use Whole only for a mixed number, such as 2 1/4.
- Enter the second fraction the same way.
- Choose add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
- Press Calculate fraction, then double-check the simplified answer and steps.
How to enter fractions
Simple fraction: leave Whole blank and enter the numerator and denominator, such as 1 and 2 for 1/2.
Mixed number: enter the whole number plus the fraction part, such as 2, 1, and 4 for 2 1/4.
Improper fraction: enter a numerator larger than the denominator, such as 9 and 4 for 9/4.
Negative fraction: put the minus sign on the whole number or numerator. Do not put it on both.
What the answer shows
The main answer is shown as a mixed number when that is easier to read. The same box also shows the improper fraction and a decimal value, so you can match the form your worksheet, recipe, measurement, or spreadsheet expects.
Double-check the decimal only as a second view of the same value. If the task asks for a fraction, keep the simplified fraction or mixed number.
For addition and subtraction, the steps show the common denominator. For multiplication, they show numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator. For division, they show the reciprocal of the second fraction before multiplying.
Four examples worth checking
Examples from the fraction calculator
5/6
1 7/8
3/10
1 1/4
Common mistakes to check
A denominator cannot be zero. If the calculator shows an input error, check that both denominators are filled in with whole numbers and that the denominator is not 0.
For mixed numbers, keep the whole number separate from the fraction part. For example, 2 1/4 should be entered as Whole 2, Numerator 1, Denominator 4.
For subtraction, double-check which fraction is first. 2 1/4 - 3/8 is not the same as 3/8 - 2 1/4, and the sign of the answer changes.
When another tool is better
If you only need the common denominator, use the LCM Calculator. If you only need the largest shared factor for simplifying, use the GCF Calculator. If the question is about percent of a number, use the Percentage Calculator.
Sources used for this guide
The fraction rules here match standard fraction arithmetic from OpenStax Prealgebra and the plain practice flow in Khan Academy fractions.
Quick questions
What is the fastest way to add unlike denominators?
Find a common denominator first, rewrite each fraction with that denominator, then add the numerators. The tool shows this step so you can check the answer instead of guessing.
How should I enter 2 1/4?
Enter 2 in Whole, 1 in Numerator, and 4 in Denominator. Do not type 2.25 unless you really want to work with a decimal.
Why does division flip the second fraction?
Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal. So 5/6 divided by 2/3 becomes 5/6 x 3/2, which simplifies to 1 1/4.
Can I use the decimal result for homework?
Use the form your teacher, recipe, or worksheet asks for. The decimal is handy for checking, but fraction homework often wants the simplified fraction or mixed number.
History, privacy, and copying
Recent fraction answers stay visible in the page while you work. This is useful when comparing a few homework problems or recipe measurements. The history is kept only in the current browser tab and is not sent to a server.
Copy answer copies the current mixed-number answer to your clipboard so you can paste it into notes, homework, a message, or another document.