Simplify Fractions Calculator

This simplify fractions calculator reduces any fraction to its lowest terms, with the greatest common divisor and the mixed-number form shown.

Simplified —
Mixed number —

How to Simplify a Fraction

Enter a numerator and denominator.

1

Enter the fraction

Type the numerator and denominator. Negative fractions are handled with the sign on top.

2

Read the reduced fraction

Both parts are divided by their greatest common divisor to reach lowest terms.

3

See the mixed number

If the fraction is greater than one, its mixed-number form is shown too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you simplify a fraction?
To simplify a fraction, find the greatest common divisor of the numerator and the denominator, then divide both by it. For 8/12 the greatest common divisor is 4, so the fraction reduces to 2/3. Dividing by any smaller common factor works too, it just takes more passes, as in 8/12 to 4/6 to 2/3. The Euclidean algorithm is the fast way to find that divisor, and it is what this calculator uses.
What does "lowest terms" mean?
A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and the denominator share no common factor other than 1. At that point no further reduction is possible, so 2/3 is in lowest terms while 8/12 is not. Every fraction has exactly one lowest-terms form, which is why it is the standard way to state an answer. Two fractions are equal precisely when their lowest-terms forms match.
How are negative fractions handled?
For a negative fraction, the sign is placed on the numerator, so −4/8 and 4/−8 both simplify to −1/2. Two negatives cancel, meaning −4/−8 reduces to the positive 1/2. Keeping the sign on top is the usual convention because it makes fractions easier to add and compare. The greatest common divisor itself is always taken as a positive number.
Is my data sent anywhere?
Nothing you enter into the simplify fractions calculator leaves your device. The simplify fractions calculator does all of its arithmetic client-side in JavaScript, so the numerator and denominator are never uploaded to a server. No account is needed and no calculation is stored or logged. Once the page has loaded it works with no network connection at all.

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