Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify fractions with step-by-step solutions.

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1. Enter the numerator and denominator of each fraction in the input fields. 2. Select the operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. 3. View the result displayed as both an improper fraction and a mixed number. 4. Review the step-by-step solution showing how the answer was calculated. 5. Click the copy button to copy the simplified result.

About This Tool

The Fraction Calculator handles all core fraction operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - and automatically simplifies the result to its lowest terms. Enter two fractions with their numerators and denominators, select an operation, and get the answer instantly along with a clear breakdown of the steps involved.

Working with fractions can be tricky, especially when dealing with different denominators or mixed numbers. This tool eliminates the tedium of finding common denominators manually, cross-multiplying, and reducing. It is perfect for students checking homework, teachers preparing examples, cooks scaling recipes, or anyone who needs quick and reliable fraction arithmetic.

The calculator also handles improper fractions and displays results as both improper fractions and mixed numbers when applicable. Each result is automatically reduced to its simplest form using the greatest common divisor, so you always get the cleanest possible answer.

Formula / How It Works

a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) / bd | a/b - c/d = (ad - bc) / bd | a/b x c/d = ac / bd | a/b / c/d = ad / bc

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the least common denominator (LCD) of both fractions, convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator, then add the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4: LCD is 12, so 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For example, 2/3 x 4/5 = (2 x 4) / (3 x 5) = 8/15. Then simplify if possible.
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal (flipped version) of the second fraction. For example, 2/3 divided by 4/5 = 2/3 x 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6.
Simplifying (or reducing) a fraction means dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD) so the fraction is in its lowest terms. For example, 8/12 simplifies to 2/3 because the GCD of 8 and 12 is 4.
A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than its denominator (like 3/4), while an improper fraction has a numerator equal to or larger than its denominator (like 7/4). Improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers (1 3/4).

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