Fraction Calculator with Steps
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions and mixed numbers. Get the answer in simplest form, as a mixed number, and as a decimal, with every step written out.
Getting the answer is the easy part. This calculator shows the work the way a teacher wants to see it: the common denominator, the rewritten fractions, the simplifying, and the change to a mixed number. Use it to check homework and to find the exact step where an answer went wrong.
Type a fraction as 3/4, a mixed number with a space as 1 3/4, a whole number as 5, or a decimal as 0.75. Put a minus sign in front for a negative.
The four fraction rules, and the mistakes that cost points
- Adding and subtracting need a common denominator. You can only add pieces that are the same size. Rewrite both fractions over the least common denominator, then add or subtract the tops. The bottom stays the same.
- The most common mistake is adding the tops and the bottoms: 1/2 + 1/3 is not 2/5. One half alone is already bigger than 2/5, so that answer can’t be right.
- Multiplying does not need a common denominator. Multiply top by top and bottom by bottom, then simplify.
- Dividing: keep, change, flip. Keep the first fraction, change ÷ to ×, and flip the second fraction upside down.
- Mixed numbers: change them to improper fractions before you multiply or divide. For 1 3/4, multiply 1 × 4 and add 3 to get 7/4.
- Always simplify at the end. Divide the top and bottom by their greatest common factor. Many teachers take off points for 6/8 when the answer is 3/4.
- Estimate first. 1 3/4 + 2 5/6 should land a little under 5. If your answer is far from your estimate, recheck the common denominator step.
The bar picture appears for positive numbers up to 4 with denominators up to 16. Everything runs in your browser. Your last problem is saved on this device only.