Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step solutions.

Fraction 1

Fraction 2

Result

How It Works

Enter two fractions and select the operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide). The calculator shows the result in simplified form plus the step-by-step working.

**Fraction Calculator — Solve Fraction Problems with Full Working**

Fractions are one of the trickiest topics in elementary and middle school maths. Our Fraction Calculator not only gives you the answer but shows every step, making it a powerful learning tool as well as a quick solver.

**Supported Operations**

- **Addition:** a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) / bd
- **Subtraction:** a/b – c/d = (ad – bc) / bd
- **Multiplication:** a/b × c/d = ac / bd
- **Division:** a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c = ad / bc

All results are automatically simplified to lowest terms using the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).

**Step-by-Step Example**

**3/4 + 2/5**
1. Find common denominator: LCD(4, 5) = 20
2. Convert: 3/4 = 15/20; 2/5 = 8/20
3. Add numerators: 15 + 8 = 23
4. Result: 23/20 = 1 3/20 (mixed number)

**Additional Features**

- **Mixed Number Support:** Enter mixed numbers like 2 3/4
- **Simplification:** Automatically reduces fractions to lowest terms
- **Decimal Conversion:** Shows the decimal equivalent
- **Comparison:** Compare two fractions (>, <, =)
- **LCD Calculator:** Find the Least Common Denominator of multiple fractions

**Why Fractions Matter**

Fractions are foundational for:
- Algebra and calculus (rational expressions)
- Probability (3/7 chance of an event)
- Cooking and recipes (3/4 cup of flour)
- Financial calculations (1/4 share of profits)
- Music (1/4 note, 1/8 note durations)

**Common Fraction Mistakes to Avoid**

1. Adding denominators: 1/2 + 1/3 ≠ 2/5 (common error!)
2. Forgetting to simplify: 4/8 should be simplified to 1/2
3. Dividing: "Keep, Change, Flip" — flip the divisor and multiply
4. Mixed numbers: convert to improper fractions before operating

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD), convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD, then add the numerators. Example: 1/3 + 1/4 → LCD=12 → 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
Flip (reciprocal) the second fraction and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6.
A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction, like 2 3/4. To convert to an improper fraction: (2 × 4 + 3)/4 = 11/4.
Divide both numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). Example: 12/18 → GCD(12,18) = 6 → 12/6 / 18/6 = 2/3.
Yes. Add a minus sign before the numerator to enter a negative fraction: -3/4.