What is Fraction Calculator?
Fraction Calculator does arithmetic with fractions and mixed numbers. Add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions with step-by-step solutions showing the work. Results are automatically simplified.
Type fractions as separate numerator/denominator boxes or paste shorthand like "1 1/2" or "-3/4" into the free-text box. The calculator handles negatives, mixed numbers, and improper fractions. Each step is shown: finding the least common denominator, multiplying across, taking reciprocals for division, and simplifying via GCD.
How to use
- Enter the first fraction's numerator and denominator (and whole number for mixed fractions).
- Select the operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide) and enter the second fraction.
- View the result as a simplified fraction or mixed number, with step-by-step working shown.
When to use
- Helping a kid check homework when the schoolbook does not show the working.
- Adjusting a recipe that scales by an odd factor like 2/3 or 1 1/4.
- Working with imperial measurements where inches come in 1/16, 1/8, 3/8.
Result
Calculate 3/4 + 2/3: find common denominator 12, convert to 9/12 + 8/12 = 17/12 = 1 5/12.
FAQ
- Can I enter mixed numbers like "2 3/4"?
- Yes. Put the whole number, numerator, and denominator in their separate boxes, or type "2 3/4" in the free-text field with a space between the whole number and the fraction. The calculator parses both shapes.
- Does it handle negative fractions?
- It does. Prefix the whole-number box with a minus, or type "-3/4" in the free-text input. Subtracting a negative flips back to addition, the same as the standard rule taught in school.
- Why does the answer come back as a mixed number sometimes and an improper fraction other times?
- The result is shown both ways when applicable: 17/12 also displays as 1 5/12. Improper form is useful for further calculation, mixed form reads more naturally for measurements.
- How is the result simplified?
- After the operation, the calculator divides both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. So 8/12 becomes 2/3. If the GCD is 1, the fraction is already in lowest terms and stays as-is.
- What happens if I try to divide by zero?
- The tool refuses to compute and shows an error. Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal, and the reciprocal of zero does not exist, so no valid answer can be produced.
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