Use our Fraction Calculator to add, subtract, multiply, or divide two fractions instantly. Get results as improper fractions, mixed numbers, or decimals, and optionally simplify to lowest terms for clean, classroom-ready answers.
What is a Fraction Calculator?
A Fraction Calculator is a tool that performs arithmetic with fractions the same way you would by hand—only faster and without mistakes. It accepts two fractions, applies the operation you choose (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division), and returns the result in your preferred format. Whether you are a student checking homework, a teacher preparing examples, or a professional working with measurements, this calculator saves time and ensures accuracy.
How to Use the Fraction Calculator
- Enter the numerators and denominators for Fraction 1 and Fraction 2.
- Select an operation: Add, Subtract, Multiply, or Divide.
- Choose your output format: Improper Fraction, Mixed Number, or Decimal.
- (Optional) Check Simplify the result to reduce the answer to lowest terms.
- (Optional) If you chose Decimal, set the number of decimal places.
- Press Calculate to see your result instantly.
Why simplification matters
Simplifying a fraction reduces it to an equivalent form with the smallest possible numerator and denominator. This makes results easier to interpret, compare, and grade. For mixed numbers, simplification applies to the fractional part after the whole number has been separated, keeping the remainder less than the denominator and reduced to its lowest terms.
Supported Operations
- Add: Combines two fractions by creating a common denominator and adding numerators.
- Subtract: Similar process to addition, but numerators are subtracted.
- Multiply: Multiply numerators together and denominators together—no common denominator needed.
- Divide: Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second (flip the second fraction). The second numerator must not be zero.
Output Formats Explained
Improper Fraction (n/d)
Improper fractions keep everything in a single fraction where the numerator can be larger than the denominator. This format is compact and ideal when continuing algebraic manipulations.
Mixed Number (a b/c)
Mixed numbers express results as a whole number plus a proper fraction. They are helpful for measurements and everyday contexts like recipes or carpentry, where you often see values like 2 1/4 inches.
Decimal
Decimal output converts the result to a base-10 representation. You can set the precision from 0 to 10 places to suit homework, engineering tolerances, or quick approximations. Be aware that repeating decimals will be rounded to the chosen precision.
Tips for Accurate Results
- Never use a denominator of zero—fractions with zero denominators are undefined.
- For division, ensure the second fraction’s numerator is not zero; dividing by zero is not allowed.
- Use the Simplify option for the cleanest final answer, especially for presentations or assignments.
- When converting to mixed numbers, remember that only the fractional part is simplified; the whole number represents how many times the denominator fits into the numerator.
- For decimals, choose a precision that balances readability and accuracy for your task.
Common Use Cases
Students can verify homework steps and solutions across algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus. Teachers can generate quick, correct examples for class. DIY enthusiasts can combine measurements in woodworking or metalworking. Anyone working with ratios—like in recipes, mixing paints, or scaling drawings—will find this calculator handy.
Behind the Scenes: What the Calculator Does
Under the hood, the Fraction Calculator performs standard fraction arithmetic and simplifies results using the greatest common divisor (GCD). For mixed numbers, it separates the whole number and remainder; for decimals, it divides the numerator by the denominator and rounds to your chosen number of places. The tool also normalizes signs so the denominator remains positive, which keeps results consistent and easy to read.
Get Started Now
Enter your fractions, choose an operation, and get a precise answer right away. With multiple output formats and optional simplification, the Fraction Calculator adapts to the way you learn, teach, or work—no manual steps required.