What Is a Fraction Calculator?
A fraction calculator is a free online math tool that performs arithmetic operations on fractions — addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division — and also simplifies fractions, converts between decimals and fractions, handles mixed numbers, and compares fractions. Instead of doing the complex arithmetic by hand (finding LCM, cross-multiplying, simplifying using GCD), you simply enter the numbers and get an instant answer with step-by-step working.
Our online fraction calculator offers six different modes in one tool, making it more powerful than most competitors. Whether you need a simple fraction calculator for homework or a mixed fraction calculator for a more complex problem, everything is here in one place.
Fraction calculator — used by students, teachers, engineers, and professionals worldwide
How to Add Fractions — Step by Step
Adding fractions requires a common denominator. Follow these steps:
- Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of both denominators
- Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCM as the denominator
- Add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same
- Simplify the result using the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
📘 Example — Adding Fractions: 1/2 + 1/3
Step 1: LCM of 2 and 3 = 6
Step 2: 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6
Step 3: 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6
Step 4: GCD of 5 and 6 = 1 (already simplified)
Answer: 5/6 = 0.8333...
How to Simplify a Fraction (Reduce Fraction Calculator)
To simplify a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms. Use the reduce fraction calculator mode for this. The process uses the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD):
- Find the GCD of the numerator and denominator
- Divide both numerator and denominator by the GCD
- The result is the simplified fraction
📘 Example — Simplify 36/48
GCD of 36 and 48 = 12
36 ÷ 12 = 3 and 48 ÷ 12 = 4
Simplified: 3/4 = 0.75
How to Convert Decimal to Fraction
For Terminating Decimals (e.g. 0.75)
Use our decimal to fraction calculator mode. The process:
- Count the decimal places (0.75 has 2 places)
- Write as a fraction over the corresponding power of 10: 75/100
- Simplify: GCD of 75 and 100 = 25, so 75/100 = 3/4
For Repeating Decimals (e.g. 0.333...)
Tick the "Repeating decimal" checkbox in our repeating decimal to fraction calculator mode:
- Let x = 0.333...
- Multiply both sides by 10: 10x = 3.333...
- Subtract: 10x − x = 3.333... − 0.333... → 9x = 3
- Solve: x = 3/9 = 1/3
How to Use Mixed Number Fractions
A mixed number (or mixed fraction) has a whole number part and a fraction part — like 2¾ (two and three-quarters). To operate on mixed numbers:
- Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction: 2¾ = (2×4+3)/4 = 11/4
- Perform the operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
- Convert the result back to a mixed number if needed
📘 Example — Mixed Fraction Calculator: 2¾ + 1½
2¾ = 11/4 and 1½ = 3/2
LCM of 4 and 2 = 4
11/4 + 6/4 = 17/4
Answer: 17/4 = 4¼ = 4.25
Pro Tip: When dividing fractions, flip (reciprocal) the second fraction and multiply. This is called "Keep, Change, Flip" — Keep the first fraction, Change ÷ to ×, and Flip the second fraction. Example: 3/4 ÷ 2/5 = 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8.
Convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions instantly with step-by-step solutions
Improper Fractions Explained
An improper fraction has a numerator larger than or equal to the denominator (e.g. 7/4, 9/3). Our improper fraction calculator automatically converts results to mixed numbers when appropriate, so you always see both forms. For example, 7/4 = 1¾ and 9/3 = 3 (a whole number).
Fraction Comparison — Which Fraction Is Bigger?
To compare fractions quickly, convert both to decimals by dividing numerator by denominator, then compare. For example:
- 3/4 = 0.75
- 4/5 = 0.80
- Since 0.80 > 0.75, 4/5 is bigger than 3/4
Use our Compare mode to get the answer instantly along with the decimal values for both fractions.
