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Fraction Calculator

Use this free online fraction calculator to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step solutions. Enter two fractions and select an operation.

Fraction Calculator

Fraction 1
Operation
Fraction 2

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Formula

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Core Formula
ab+cd=ad+bcbd\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad + bc}{bd}

How it works: To add fractions, find a common denominator by cross-multiplying, then simplify the result.

Review and Methodology

Updated Mar 17, 2026

This calculator runs locally in your browser. Inputs are converted into the units required by the formula, and the result is paired with supporting references so you can verify the method before using it for planning or estimates.

Worked Example

1/3 + 2/5
1Step 1: Cross multiply → (1×5 + 2×3) / (3×5)
2Step 2: (5 + 6) / 15 = 11/15
Result: 11/15

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) showing how many parts you have, and a denominator (bottom number) showing how many equal parts make up the whole. Fractions are fundamental to mathematics and appear in everyday life from cooking to construction.

  • 1/2 means one out of two equal parts, or 50% of the whole
  • Fractions with the same value but different numbers are called equivalent fractions (1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6)
  • A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than its denominator (3/4), while an improper fraction has a larger numerator (5/3)
  • Mixed numbers combine a whole number with a fraction (1 1/2), and can be converted to improper fractions (3/2)

Understanding fractions is essential for working with recipes, measurements, probabilities, ratios, and algebra. Fraction operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) follow specific rules that differ from whole number arithmetic.

You can also calculate changes using our Decimal to Fraction Calculator, Ratio Calculator or Proportion Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add fractions with different denominators?

Find the least common denominator (LCD), convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD, then add the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4: LCD is 12, so 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

How do I multiply fractions?

Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together: (a/b) × (c/d) = (ac)/(bd). For example, 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2.

How do I divide fractions?

Multiply by the reciprocal (flip the second fraction): (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c). For example, 2/3 ÷ 1/4 = 2/3 × 4/1 = 8/3.

How do I simplify a fraction?

Divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 12/18: GCD is 6, so 12/6 = 2 and 18/6 = 3, giving 2/3.

How do I convert a fraction to a decimal?

Divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75. Some fractions produce repeating decimals, like 1/3 = 0.333...

Can I use this Fraction Calculator on my own web page?

You can. Look for the "Embed" button near the top of this calculator. It lets you pick a size, border style, and color palette, then gives you an iframe tag to paste into any webpage. The widget is responsive, loads fast, and costs nothing. More details at calculory.com/services/embed-calculators.

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