Fraction Calculator With Mixed Numbers and Steps
Add, subtract, multiply or divide two fractions or mixed numbers. Type the numerator and denominator of each, and a whole number too if it is a mixed number, such as 1 3/4. Pick the operation and press Calculate. You get the answer in lowest terms, as a mixed number when it is above 1, and as a decimal to 6 places. Below that, the steps show each line of the working.
For a mixed number such as 1 3/4, type 1 in Whole, 3 on top and 4 below. Leave Whole empty for a plain fraction.
How to use the Fraction Calculator
- Enter your numbers in the Fraction Calculator above.
- Press the Calculate button to see the result.
- To try other numbers, change any value and press the button again.
The fraction operations
Add/sub: a/b ± c/d = (ad ± bc) / bd · · · Multiply: a/b × c/d = (ac) / (bd) · · · Divide: a/b ÷ c/d = (ad) / (bc)
A mixed number first becomes an improper fraction, so 1 3/4 = (1 × 4 + 3)/4 = 7/4. Addition and subtraction then put both fractions over their smallest common denominator. Multiplication multiplies the numerators and the denominators. Division multiplies by the second fraction turned upside down. The calculator then divides the top and the bottom by their greatest common factor and puts any minus sign on the numerator.
Worked example
2/3 + 1/4 = (2×4 + 1×3) / (3×4) = 11/12, which the calculator shows with the decimal 0.916667. 5/8 ÷ 3/4 = 5/8 × 4/3 = 20/24 = 5/6 after simplifying. For 1 3/4 × 2 1/2, the steps read 1 3/4 = (1 × 4 + 3)/4 = 7/4, 2 1/2 = (2 × 2 + 1)/2 = 5/2, (7 × 5)/(4 × 2) = 35/8, and 35 ÷ 8 is 4 remainder 3. The calculator shows 35/8, the mixed number 4 3/8 and the decimal 4.375.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enter a mixed number?
Type the whole number in the Whole box, the numerator on top and the denominator below. For 2 3/4 that is 2, 3 and 4, and the first step shows 2 3/4 = (2 × 4 + 3)/4 = 11/4. Leave Whole empty for a plain fraction. A whole number on its own, such as 5, goes in Whole with the other two boxes empty. The answer comes as an improper fraction and as a mixed number, such as 35/8 and 4 3/8.
Does it show the steps?
Yes. Each answer lists its working: improper fractions first, then the common denominator or the flipped second fraction, the sum or product, the simplifying and the mixed number. For 2/3 + 1/4 the lines read 2/3 = 8/12, 1/4 = 3/12, (8 + 3)/12 = 11/12.
How do I simplify a fraction?
Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. 18/24: GCF is 6, so 18/24 = 3/4. The calculator always shows the answer in lowest terms.
Can I enter decimals or negative numbers?
Negative numbers, yes. A minus sign in the answer always sits on the numerator, so 1/2 ÷ −1/3 shows −3/2. For a negative mixed number, put the sign on the whole number: −1 3/4 means −(1 + 3/4), which is −7/4. Decimals, no. Every box takes a whole number, so write 0.5 as 1/2 and 1.25 as 5/4.
How is this different from decimal calculation?
A fraction keeps the exact value. As a decimal, 1/3 is 0.333… and never ends, so any decimal you write down is rounded. The calculator shows both. The fraction is exact, and the decimal is rounded to 6 places, so 1/3 shows as 0.333333.