Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type fractions into the calculator?
Type a fraction with a slash, like 3/4, and a mixed number with a space before the fraction, like 2 1/3. Whole numbers, negatives and decimals such as 0.75 work too. Put + − × ÷ between the fractions (* and x also mean times, / between two fractions means divide), and chain as many as you like, like 1/2 + 1/3 − 1/4. The answer and every step update as you type.
How do I add fractions with different denominators?
Give both fractions the same denominator, then add the numerators. The quick way is to multiply each fraction by the other's denominator: for 1/2 + 1/3, rewrite them as 3/6 and 2/6, which share a denominator of 6, then add to get 5/6. If the result can be reduced, divide the top and bottom by their greatest common divisor. This calculator finds a common denominator, adds the numerators and simplifies automatically, and it shows those steps so you can see how the answer was reached.
How do I simplify a fraction?
To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, the largest number that goes into both exactly. For 8/12 the greatest common divisor is 4, so dividing both by 4 gives 2/3, which cannot be reduced further. A fraction is in lowest terms when the only number dividing both parts is 1. Use the "Simplify one" tab, type any fraction, and the calculator reduces it, shows the decimal value, and tells you the common divisor it used.
How do I multiply and divide fractions?
To multiply, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together: 1/2 × 3/4 = 3/8. To divide, flip the second fraction and multiply: 3/4 ÷ 1/2 becomes 3/4 × 2/1 = 6/4, which simplifies to 3/2 or 1 1/2. Unlike addition, you do not need a common denominator for either operation. This calculator handles both, turns improper results into mixed numbers, and reduces the answer to lowest terms so you always get the tidiest form.
How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and keep the same denominator. For 2 1/2, that is 2 × 2 + 1 = 5 over 2, so 2 1/2 equals 5/2. Doing this first makes mixed numbers easy to add, subtract, multiply or divide. You can type mixed numbers straight into this calculator using a space, like "2 1/2", and it converts them to improper form, works out the answer, and converts back to a mixed number for the result.
How do I add more than two fractions?
Work left to right: add or subtract the first two fractions, then combine that result with the next one, and so on, choosing the operation before each new fraction. For 1/2 + 1/3 − 1/4, first 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6, then 5/6 − 1/4 = 7/12. Click "+ Add fraction" on this calculator to add as many fractions or mixed numbers as you need, pick +, −, × or ÷ before each one, and it shows every intermediate step down to the final reduced answer.