Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with automatic simplification and step-by-step working. Also simplifies mixed numbers and converts to decimals — free fraction calculator.
With automatic simplification and step-by-step working
This fraction calculator handles all four operations — addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division — with automatic simplification to the lowest terms and step-by-step working shown below the result. Fractions are one of the most commonly tested math concepts in US middle and high school curricula, and errors in fraction arithmetic cascade into wrong answers on algebra, chemistry, and cooking conversion problems. Whether you're simplifying 18/24 (which reduces to 3/4) or adding 3/4 + 2/3 (which requires finding the common denominator of 12), this calculator shows every step clearly.
Mixed numbers — like 2 3/4 or 5 1/8 — are also handled. The calculator converts them to improper fractions for computation, then converts the result back to a mixed number for the final answer. This is the same approach taught in US Common Core math standards and used on the SAT and ACT. The result also displays as a decimal (3/4 = 0.75) and percentage (75%), making it useful for anyone converting between fractions and other number formats in real-world contexts like recipe scaling, measurements, or financial ratios.
To add fractions, find the least common denominator (LCD), convert both fractions, then add numerators. Example: 1/3 + 1/4 → LCD=12 → 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12. This calculator finds the LCD and shows every step automatically.
Multiply fractions by multiplying numerators together and denominators together, then simplify. Example: 3/4 × 2/3 = 6/12 = 1/2. Cross-canceling before multiplying keeps the numbers smaller and the steps cleaner.
To divide fractions, flip the second fraction (the reciprocal) and multiply. "Keep, Change, Flip." Example: 3/4 ÷ 2/5 = 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8 = 1 7/8. Division always becomes multiplication in the final step.
A fraction is simplified when the GCF of numerator and denominator equals 1. To simplify 18/24: GCF is 6, so divide both by 6 → 3/4. The calculator does this automatically using the Euclidean algorithm.