Free Online Fraction Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with steps.
Leave the whole number at 0 for a proper fraction. Negative wholes are supported, for example −1 1/2 means −1.5.
Step-by-step working
- Enter two fractions and choose an operation.
About the Fraction Calculator
Fractions appear everywhere from recipe scaling to construction measurements, but arithmetic with them is easy to get wrong. This calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides two fractions and returns a reduced mixed number, an improper fraction, and a decimal approximation. It also shows the intermediate steps so you can follow the method rather than only copying the answer.
Working with mixed numbers
Enter a whole number and a numerator and denominator for each fraction. A proper fraction such as 3/4 uses a whole number of 0. A mixed number such as 2 1/2 uses a whole number of 2. The calculator converts every mixed number to an improper fraction before operating, which keeps the arithmetic consistent. Negative wholes are interpreted as negative mixed values: −1 1/2 becomes −3/2.
How each operation works
- Addition and subtraction: rewrite both fractions with a common denominator, combine the numerators, then reduce.
- Multiplication: multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator, then reduce.
- Division: multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction, then reduce.
The greatest common divisor is used to simplify every result, and division by zero is reported as an error instead of producing an undefined answer.
Why the decimal is rounded
Many fractions, such as 1/3, cannot be represented exactly in decimal form. The decimal card shows a rounded value to six places so it stays readable, while the fraction result remains exact for the values you entered.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter a negative fraction?
Yes. Either make the whole number negative, or enter a negative numerator when the whole number is 0.
Does the calculator reduce the answer automatically?
Yes. The result is always divided by the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator.
Why is the decimal different from the fraction?
The decimal is a rounded approximation. Repeating decimals such as 2/3 are shown to six places, while the fraction stays exact.