Fraction Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify fractions with clear step-by-step solutions. Built for students.
How to Perform Fraction Operations
Adding Fractions
Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of both denominators. Convert each fraction to the same denominator, then add the numerators. Simplify the result.
Try: 1/2 + 1/3 →Subtracting Fractions
Same as addition — find the LCM first, convert to common denominators, then subtract the numerators. Always simplify the final fraction.
Try: 3/4 − 1/4 →Multiplying Fractions
Multiply the numerators together, then multiply the denominators together. No need for common denominators! Simplify the resulting fraction.
Try: 2/3 × 3/4 →Dividing Fractions
Flip the second fraction (take its reciprocal), then multiply. Remember: "Keep, Change, Flip" — keep the first fraction, change ÷ to ×, flip the second.
Try: 2/5 ÷ 5/6 →Simplifying Fractions
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. Divide both by the GCD to get the fraction in its simplest form.
Try: Simplify 24/36 →Frequently Asked Questions
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the two denominators. Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with that LCM as the denominator. Then add the numerators and simplify. Example: 1/2 + 1/3 → LCM = 6 → 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
How do you divide fractions?
Use the "Keep, Change, Flip" method: keep the first fraction as-is, change ÷ to ×, and flip the second fraction (use its reciprocal). Then multiply and simplify. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6.
How do you simplify a fraction?
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. Divide both by the GCD. Example: 24/36 — GCD is 12 — so 24÷12 / 36÷12 = 2/3.
What is the difference between a proper and improper fraction?
A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than the denominator (e.g., 3/4). An improper fraction has a numerator equal to or greater than the denominator (e.g., 7/4). Improper fractions can be written as mixed numbers like 1¾.
Do I need a common denominator to multiply fractions?
No! When multiplying fractions, you simply multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. A common denominator is only needed for addition and subtraction.