Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions with the working shown, reduce a fraction to its simplest form, convert between fractions, decimals, percentages and mixed numbers, or compare two fractions.

What this fraction calculator does

• Calculator: adds, subtracts, multiplies or divides two fractions and shows the steps, including the lowest common denominator.
• Simplify: reduces a fraction using the greatest common divisor (GCD) and shows the decimal and percentage.
• Convert: fraction to decimal, decimal to fraction, fraction to percentage, percentage to fraction, and mixed numbers to and from improper fractions.
• Compare: shows which of two fractions is larger, with a common denominator and the difference.

How it works

• Add or subtract: convert both fractions to the lowest common denominator, then add or subtract the numerators.
• Multiply: multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators.
• Divide: multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
• Simplify: divide the numerator and denominator by their GCD.

Worked examples: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6. Simplifying 8/12 gives 2/3 because the GCD is 4. The decimal 0.125 is 1/8, and 1.1 is 11/10. The mixed number 2 1/3 is 7/3 because 2 × 3 + 1 = 7.

Things to keep in mind

Enter whole numbers for numerators and denominators. A denominator of zero, or dividing by a fraction equal to zero, is not allowed and shows a message. Decimals are converted exactly up to about nine decimal places.

Frequently asked questions

What is the lowest common denominator?
It is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. Using it keeps the numbers as small as possible.

Does it always simplify the answer?
Yes. The Calculator tab reduces the result to its simplest form.

Looking for more? See all our free academic and scientific calculators.