Fraction Calculator
Calculate Fractions
Results & Actions
Calculate and view your fraction results
Step-by-Step Solution
How It Works
Enter fractions as numerators and denominators, choose an operation, and get instant results with step-by-step explanations. Learn as you calculate.
Common Uses
Perfect for students doing homework, teachers creating examples, cooks adjusting recipes, and DIYers calculating measurements.
Always Accessible
Works completely in your browser - no data sent to servers. Use it anytime, anywhere with full privacy protection.
How the Fraction Calculator Works
- Input Recognition: The calculator accepts your fractions as numerators and denominators. It can also handle whole numbers if you enter them as a fraction (e.g., 3 as 3/1).
- Common Denominator (for +/-): For addition and subtraction, it finds the Least Common Denominator (LCD) by identifying the smallest number both denominators divide into evenly.
- Operation Execution: Based on your selection:
- Add/Subtract: Converts fractions to equivalent forms with the LCD, then adds/subtracts numerators.
- Multiply: Multiplies numerators together and denominators together.
- Divide: Multiplies the first fraction by the reciprocal (flipped version) of the second fraction.
- Simplification: The result is simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).
- Conversion: The simplified fraction is also converted to a decimal and, if improper (numerator ≥ denominator), expressed as a mixed number.
- Output: All formats (simplified fraction, decimal, mixed number) and the solution steps are displayed clearly.
Fraction Calculation Rules
Addition/Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Simplification
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1: Adding Fractions
Example 2: Multiplying Mixed Numbers
Practical Use Cases
Where Fraction Calculations Matter
Fraction calculations are essential in many everyday situations and professional fields. Understanding fractions helps with accurate measurements, fair distributions, and precise calculations.
Common Applications
- Homework Help: Students can check their work on fraction problems and learn the steps behind the answer.
- Recipe Scaling: Easily double, triple, or halve recipe ingredients that use fractional cups or teaspoons.
- Construction & DIY: Accurately add and subtract fractional measurements for wood, piping, or fabric.
- Financial Splits: Divide bills or expenses proportionally when amounts aren't whole numbers.
- Teaching Aid: Teachers can generate examples and demonstrate solution processes visually.
Practical Example: Baking Cookies
Imagine a cookie recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar, but you want to make only 2/3 of the recipe.
- Fraction: 3/4
- Operation: Multiply
- Multiplier: 2/3
You need 1/2 cup of sugar for 2/3 of the recipe.
How to Read the Results
The calculator provides three forms of the answer to suit different needs:
Simplified Fraction
This is the most reduced form of the answer (e.g., 3/4). It's the mathematically "pure" result and is best for further calculations or academic work. The numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
Decimal Value
The fraction converted to a base-10 number (e.g., 0.75). Useful for quick comparisons, measurements on standard tools, or when working with calculators that don't handle fractions. The decimal is rounded to 3 places for clarity.
Mixed Number
For improper fractions (where the numerator is larger than the denominator), this shows the whole number part plus the remaining fraction (e.g., 1 3/4). This is the most intuitive form for everyday use, like in cooking or measuring with standard tools.
When to use each format: Use the simplified fraction for academic work, the decimal for quick reference and comparisons, and the mixed number for practical applications like recipes or measurements.