Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers, with every step shown.

Type two fractions or mixed numbers and pick an operation. The answer comes simplified, as a mixed number and as a decimal, with every step written out the way you would show it on paper.

= 3 1115

Improper fraction 5615 · Decimal ≈ 3.7333

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Steps

Write mixed numbers as improper fractions: 2 13 = 2 × 3 + 13 = 73; 1 25 = 1 × 5 + 25 = 75.
Find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 3 and 5 is 15, so 73 = 3515 and 75 = 2115.
Add the numerators: 3515 + 2115 = 5615.
5615 is already in simplest form.
As a mixed number: 56 ÷ 15 = 3 remainder 11, so the answer is 3 1115.

Practise mixed numbers

How to add and subtract fractions

If the denominators are different, rewrite both fractions with a common denominator: 1/3 + 1/4 becomes 4/12 + 3/12.
Add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
Simplify if you can.

The fraction chart shows why: 1/3 and 4/12 are the same length.

How to multiply fractions

Multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators, then simplify: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2. No common denominator needed.

How to divide fractions

Keep the first fraction, flip the second (its reciprocal), and multiply: 3/4 ÷ 3/8 = 3/4 × 8/3 = 24/12 = 2. A memory aid: keep, change, flip.

Mixed numbers

Turn each mixed number into an improper fraction first (multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator: 2 1/3 = 7/3), do the operation, then turn the answer back into a mixed number. The mixed numbers and improper fractions page shows the conversion step by step.

Practice without the calculator

A calculator checks homework; speed comes from practice. The fractions practice drills go level by level, from simplifying to mixed numbers, and the fraction worksheets are free to print with answer keys.

Common questions

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Rewrite both fractions with a common denominator, then add the numerators. For 1/3 + 1/4, the common denominator is 12: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

How do you divide fractions?

Flip the second fraction and multiply. 3/4 ÷ 3/8 = 3/4 × 8/3 = 24/12 = 2.

How do you multiply mixed numbers?

Change each mixed number into an improper fraction, multiply the numerators and the denominators, then simplify and change back. 2 1/2 × 1 1/3 = 5/2 × 4/3 = 20/6 = 3 1/3.

What is 1/2 + 1/3?

5/6. With a common denominator of 6, 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6, and 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

Does this fraction calculator show the steps?

Yes. Every answer lists the steps: converting mixed numbers, finding the common denominator or flipping the divisor, the arithmetic, simplifying, and the mixed-number form. It is free with no login.