Fraction Calculator Online with Steps
Free online fraction calculator with step-by-step solutions. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Supports proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, and decimal to fraction conversion. Perfect for students, teachers, and anyone needing quick fraction calculations.
Fraction Calculator Results
If you've ever stared at "3/4 + 2/5" and felt completely lost, you're in good company. Thousands of students struggle with the same question: "Why can't I just add the tops and bottoms?"
Here's the truth: fractions are hard. They don't work like whole numbers. You can't just stack them up and add. But here's the good news: once you understand why the rules work, fractions become easy. And that's exactly what this fraction calculator helps you do.
This isn't just a tool that gives you answers. It shows you every single step of the solution, explains why we do each step, and helps you learn the patterns so you can solve problems on your own.
What is a Fraction Calculator?
A fraction calculator is an online math tool that solves fraction problems automatically. It handles all four basic operations: addition (1/2 + 1/3), subtraction (3/4 - 1/5), multiplication (2/3 × 3/4), and division (5/6 ÷ 2/3).
But a good fraction calculator does more than just give you the answer. It shows you:
- The complete step-by-step solution
- How to find common denominators
- Why we simplify fractions
- The decimal equivalent of your answer
- How to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions
Think of it as having a patient math tutor sitting next to you, explaining each step as you go.
How This Fraction Calculator Works
Step-by-Step Guide
- Enter your first fraction: Type the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) in the first set of boxes. If you're working with a mixed number like 2 1/3, check the "Mixed Number" box and enter the whole number separately.
- Choose your operation: Click the operation button: + (add), - (subtract), × (multiply), or ÷ (divide).
- Enter your second fraction: Same process as Step 1.
- See your results instantly: The calculator automatically shows the simplified fraction answer, mixed number (if applicable), decimal equivalent, and percentage.
- Study the steps: Click "Show Steps" to see the complete step-by-step work with explanations for each stage.
Understanding Different Types of Fractions
Proper Fractions
Numerator is smaller than denominator. Represents values less than 1.
Examples: 1/2, 3/4, 5/8
Improper Fractions
Numerator is equal to or larger than denominator. Represents values ≥ 1.
Examples: 5/4, 7/3, 9/2
Mixed Numbers
Combines a whole number with a proper fraction.
Examples: 1 1/4, 2 2/3, 3 3/5
Why does this matter? When you add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions, you often need to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions. Our calculator handles this automatically and shows you how.
Fraction Operations Explained
Decimal to Fraction Conversion
Our calculator online with fractions also converts decimals to fractions automatically. This is incredibly useful for homework and real-life math.
Simple Decimal: 0.75
- Read it: "seventy-five hundredths"
- Write as fraction: 75/100
- Simplify by dividing by 25: 3/4
Answer: 3/4
One Decimal: 0.4
- Read it: "four tenths"
- Write: 4/10
- Simplify by dividing by 2: 2/5
Answer: 2/5
Quick Conversion Chart
Common Mistakes Students Make
Mistake #1: Adding Denominators
Wrong: 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5 ❌
Correct: Find common denominator first → 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 ✓
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Simplify
Many students stop at 6/8 without simplifying.
Correct: 6/8 = 3/4 (divide both by 2) ✓
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Flip for Division
Wrong: 1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 1/8 ❌
Correct: 1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 1/2 × 4/1 = 2 ✓
Real-Life Uses of a Fraction Calculator
🍳 Cooking and Baking
Recipe calls for 2/3 cup flour, but you want a half batch. What do you need?
Answer: 2/3 × 1/2 = 1/3 cup
🔨 Construction
You need to cut a 6-inch board into 3/4 inch strips. How many strips?
Answer: 6 ÷ 3/4 = 8 strips
⏰ Time Management
You have 3/4 hour left. If you need 1/2 hour, how much time remains?
Answer: 3/4 - 1/2 = 1/4 hour (15 minutes)
🛍️ Shopping
A shirt is marked down by 1/3. If it costs $30, what's the discount?
Answer: 1/3 × 30 = $10 off
Why Use Our Fraction Calculator Online?
Step-by-Step Learning
Shows every step with explanations, not just the answer
Multiple Formats
See results as fraction, mixed number, decimal, and percentage
100% Free
No registration, subscriptions, or hidden fees
Privacy Guaranteed
All calculations happen in your browser—completely private
Error-Free
Mathematical precision guaranteed every time
Mobile-Friendly
Works perfectly on phones, tablets, and computers
Common Fractions
Click any fraction to use it in the calculator
Decimal Equivalents
Numerator
The top number - shows how many parts you have
Denominator
The bottom number - shows total equal parts
LCM
Least Common Multiple - smallest number both denominators divide into
GCD
Greatest Common Divisor - largest number that divides both numbers
Reciprocal
Fraction flipped upside down (3/4 → 4/3)
Always simplify your final answer by finding the GCD of numerator and denominator
When multiplying, cancel common factors first to make calculations easier
For division, remember: "Keep, Change, Flip" (keep first fraction, change ÷ to ×, flip second fraction)
Check your work by converting the answer to decimal and seeing if it makes sense