How do I add fractions?

To add fractions with the same denominator, add the numerators and keep the denominator. For example: 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4. For fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator, then add the numerators.

How do I multiply fractions?

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. For example: 1/2 × 3/4 = 3/8. If working with mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions first.

How do I divide fractions?

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. For example: 1/2 ÷ 3/4 = 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6 = 2/3.

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Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and mixed numbers easily.

Enter Fractions

First Fraction *

Enter whole number and/or fraction

Operation

−

Second Fraction *

Enter whole number and/or fraction

Display Options

Show as mixed number

Show decimal value

Result

Enter fractions and click Calculate to see results.

1 1/2 + 1/4 = 1 3/4

Result as a Fraction

Decimal Value

1.75

Explanation

To add 1 1/2 and 1/4:

Convert 1 1/2 to improper fraction: 3/2
Find common denominator: 3/2 = 6/4, 1/4 = 1/4
Add numerators: 6/4 + 1/4 = 7/4
Convert to mixed number: 7/4 = 1 3/4

How to Calculate with Fractions

Addition & Subtraction

To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator:

Steps:

Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators
Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator
Add or subtract the numerators, keeping the common denominator
Simplify the resulting fraction if possible

Example:

1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12

2/5 - 1/10 = 4/10 - 1/10 = 3/10

Multiplication & Division

Multiplying and dividing fractions is straightforward:

Multiplication:

Multiply the numerators together
Multiply the denominators together
Simplify the resulting fraction

Example: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2

Division:

Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction
Simplify the resulting fraction

Example: 2/3 ÷ 3/4 = 2/3 × 4/3 = 8/9

Working with Mixed Numbers

When working with mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions first:

Converting mixed number to improper fraction:

Multiply the whole number by the denominator
Add the result to the numerator
Place the result over the original denominator

Example: 2 3/4 = (2 × 4 + 3) / 4 = 11/4

Converting improper fraction to mixed number:

Divide the numerator by the denominator
The quotient is the whole number
The remainder is the new numerator over the original denominator

Example: 11/4 = 2 with remainder 3, so 11/4 = 2 3/4

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I simplify a fraction?

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Example: To simplify 8/12

Find the GCD of 8 and 12 (which is 4)
Divide both numbers by 4: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3
The simplified fraction is 2/3

What is the least common multiple (LCM)?

The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive number that is divisible by both numbers with no remainder.

Example: The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12, because 12 is the smallest number that both 4 and 6 divide into evenly.

To find the LCM:

List multiples of each number
Find the smallest number that appears in both lists

Can I divide by a fraction?

Yes, to divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal (flip the numerator and denominator).

Example: 2/3 ÷ 1/4 = 2/3 × 4/1 = 8/3

This works because dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.