Fraction Calculator

To add fractions with different denominators, simply input the numerator and denominator for both fractions into the interface, choose the “+” operation, and click Calculate Result. This online calculator automatically processes the numbers to find a common denominator (often using the least common multiple). It then adds the adjusted numerators to provide a correct solution to your math problem and displays the simplified answer.

A simplified fraction is one that has been reduced to its lowest terms—in other words, the numerator and denominator no longer share any common factor other than 1. The calculator acts as a reliable simplification tool by finding the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. It then divides both by that number to simplify your result automatically, ensuring the user gets the cleanest possible answer.

To multiply fractions, enter both fractions, choose the “×” operation, and hit Calculate Result. This function is very fast: the calculator multiplies the numerators together and the denominators together ($a/b \times c/d = ac/bd$). Finally, it simplifies the resulting fraction and shows the decimal and mixed-number forms, making it an accurate way to check your work.

Division of fractions uses the idea of a reciprocal. To solve this equation, the calculator takes your second fraction, flips it ($c/d$ becomes $d/c$), changes the operation to multiplication, and then multiplies:

You only need to select the “÷” operation; this advanced tool handles the reciprocal and simplification for you, offering an instant result.

The reciprocal of a fraction is found by swapping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2. In math, this is also called the multiplicative inverse, because a number times its reciprocal always equals 1. This educational calculator uses reciprocals whenever you choose the division (÷) option between two fractions to ensure the value is calculated correctly.

If the output of your operation is an improper fraction (where the numerator is larger than the denominator), the easy-to-use calculator automatically converts it to a mixed number. It divides the numerator by the denominator: the quotient becomes the whole number, and the remainder becomes the new numerator over the same denominator (for example, 7/3 becomes 2 1/3).

Yes. Alongside the simplified fraction, the calculator shows the decimal value of your result. From the decimal, you can easily determine the percentage by multiplying by 100 (e.g., 0.5 → 50%). You can even round the decimal if necessary for your specific context. This mirrors common classroom conversions, making it a highly helpful feature for students.

A denominator of zero is not allowed because division by zero is undefined in mathematics. If you try to input a fraction with a denominator of 0, the calculator will flag an error or ask you to correct the input before it can compute a valid result.

Yes. You can enter negative numerators or denominators (such as -3/4), and this free calculator will handle the sign correctly in the final result. If you have a mixed number, convert it to an improper fraction first—multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place it over the original denominator—then input it into the tool for a visual and accurate calculation.

Yes. After you click Calculate Result, you can review a step-by-step explanation. This makes the tool interactive and transparent, showing which formula was used (for addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division), how the calculator found a common denominator if needed, and how the fraction was simplified using the GCD. This simple breakdown helps you understand the process, ensuring you learn how to reach the final answer yourself.