Fraction Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with steps showing work.
Fraction Calculator
Fraction Calculator: Add, Subtract & Simplify
Working with fractions can be one of the most confusing areas of basic mathematics for students and professionals alike. Whether you are helping your child with middle-school math homework, scaling up a baking recipe, or measuring construction materials in inches, the Calculay Fraction Calculator provides instant answers—along with the fully simplified lowest terms.
How to Add & Subtract Fractions
The fundamental rule of adding or subtracting fractions is that they must share a Common Denominator (the bottom number). You cannot simply add the top numbers (numerators) if the bottoms do not match.
- Example: 1/4 + 2/5
- First, find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) for 4 and 5, which is 20.
- Convert 1/4 into 5/20.
- Convert 2/5 into 8/20.
- Now add the numerators: 5 + 8 = 13.
- Final Result: 13/20
How to Multiply & Divide Fractions
Multiplying and dividing is actually much simpler than adding because you do not need a common denominator.
- Multiplication: Simply multiply the top numbers together, and then multiply the bottom numbers together. For example, (2/3) × (4/5) = 8/15.
- Division: Flip the second fraction upside down (creating its reciprocal) and then multiply them. For example, (1/2) ÷ (1/4) becomes (1/2) × (4/1) = 4/2, which simplifies neatly down to the whole number 2.
Simplifying (Reducing) Fractions
In mathematics, it is standard practice to present your final answer in its simplest form. This means finding the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) for both the numerator and the denominator, and dividing both sides by that number.
For example, if the result of a calculation is 12/36, the calculator recognizes that both numbers are perfectly divisible by 12. It automatically reduces the final visual output to 1/3 for maximum clarity.