How do I add fractions with different denominators?

Rewrite both fractions over a common denominator first, then add the numerators. For example, 1/2 + 1/3 becomes 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6. The least common denominator keeps the numbers small, but any common denominator works.

How do I simplify a fraction?

Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For 12/18, the GCD is 6, so it reduces to 2/3. A fraction is fully simplified when the top and bottom share no factor other than 1.

How do I divide fractions?

Multiply by the reciprocal: flip the second fraction and change division to multiplication. So 1/2 ÷ 3/4 = 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6 = 2/3. This works because dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its inverse.

How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Divide the numerator by the denominator: the quotient is the whole number and the remainder goes over the original denominator. For example, 11/4 = 2 remainder 3, so 11/4 = 2 3/4.

How do I work with whole numbers and fractions together?

Treat a whole number as a fraction over 1 (5 = 5/1), and convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before calculating (2 1/3 = 7/3). Then apply the normal rules for adding, multiplying, or dividing fractions.

Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step solutions. Free, fast, accurate — no signup, mobile-frie

Fraction Operations

Input Type

Operation

First Fraction

Numerator

Denominator

Second Fraction

Numerator

Denominator

Quick Examples

• Addition: 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6

• Subtraction: 3/4 − 1/2 = 1/4

• Multiplication: 2/3 × 3/4 = 1/2

• Division: 1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 2

Results

Simplified Fraction

5/6

Addition (+) result

Decimal

0.833333

Decimal equivalent

Step-by-Step Solution

11/2 + 1/3

2Find common denominator: 6

33/6 + 2/6

4= 5/6

5Simplify by dividing by 2: 5/6

Fraction Details

Input 1: 1/2 = 0.5000

Input 2: 1/3 = 0.3333

GCD of result: 1

Is proper fraction: Yes

Fraction Tips

• Always simplify fractions to lowest terms
• For addition/subtraction, find common denominators
• For division, multiply by the reciprocal
• Mixed numbers can be easier to understand than improper fractions

How it works

A fraction calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides fractions and reduces the result. Adding and subtracting need a common denominator first; multiplying goes straight across; dividing flips the second fraction and multiplies.

Fraction operations

a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd        a/b × c/d = ac/bd        a/b ÷ c/d = ad/bc

a/b, c/d: the two fractions
bd: common denominator for adding

Worked example

1/2 + 1/3

Common denominator = 6
3/6 + 2/6

1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6.

Good to know

Always reduce the answer by dividing top and bottom by their gcd (4/8 → 1/2).
To divide, multiply by the reciprocal — flip the divisor and the operation becomes multiplication.
A whole number is a fraction over 1 (5 = 5/1), which lets you mix it with fractions.