Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with automatic simplification

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Understanding Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). The denominator tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into, and the numerator tells you how many of those parts you have.

numerator / denominator

Visual Examples

1/2
1
1

One half (1 out of 2 parts)

3/4
1
2
3
4

Three quarters (3 out of 4 parts)

Practical Examples

Adding Fractions
1/2 + 1/4 = ?
Step 1: Find common denominator → 2/4 + 1/4
Step 2: Add numerators → 3/4
Result: 3/4
Multiplying Fractions
2/3 × 3/4 = ?
Step 1: Multiply numerators → 2 × 3 = 6
Step 2: Multiply denominators → 3 × 4 = 12
Step 3: Simplify → 6/12 = 1/2
Result: 1/2
Dividing Fractions
1/2 ÷ 1/4 = ?
Step 1: Flip the second fraction → 1/2 × 4/1
Step 2: Multiply → 4/2
Step 3: Simplify → 2
Result: 2

Fraction Operation Rules

Addition & Subtraction:
  • • Find common denominator
  • • Add/subtract numerators
  • • Keep the denominator
  • • Simplify if possible
Multiplication & Division:
  • • Multiply: numerator × numerator
  • • Multiply: denominator × denominator
  • • Division: flip & multiply
  • • Simplify the result

💡 Quick Tips

  • Simplification: Always reduce fractions to their lowest terms by dividing by the GCD
  • Mixed Numbers: Convert to improper fractions before calculating (e.g., 1½ = 3/2)
  • Zero Denominator: Never allowed - division by zero is undefined