Fraction Calculator

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction represents part of a whole. The top number is called the numerator and the bottom number is called the denominator.

Fractions are used in mathematics, construction, woodworking, cooking, engineering, finance, and many everyday activities.

Common Fraction Examples

• 1/2 = One Half

• 1/4 = One Quarter

• 3/4 = Three Quarters

• 1/8 = One Eighth

• 5/8 = Five Eighths

How Fraction Calculations Work

• Operation: Add Fractions
  Method: Find common denominator then add numerators

• Operation: Subtract Fractions
  Method: Find common denominator then subtract numerators

• Operation: Multiply Fractions
  Method: Multiply numerators and denominators

• Operation: Divide Fractions
  Method: Multiply by reciprocal

Fraction calculators simplify the process by performing these calculations automatically and reducing answers to their simplest form.

Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying & Dividing Fractions

Fractions can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using specific mathematical rules. Understanding these operations helps students, homeowners, contractors, and professionals solve everyday measurement and calculation problems.

Adding Fractions

To add fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator. Once the denominators match, add the numerators and simplify the result.

Subtracting Fractions

Subtracting fractions follows the same process as addition. Convert both fractions to a common denominator, subtract the numerators, and simplify.

Multiplying Fractions

Multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. Then reduce the answer to its simplest form.

Dividing Fractions

To divide fractions, flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal) and multiply.

Mixed Numbers Explained

A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction. For example:

• 1 1/2

• 2 3/4

• 5 7/8

Improper fractions can be converted into mixed numbers to make them easier to understand and use in practical situations such as construction measurements, cooking recipes, and woodworking projects.

Common Fraction Conversions

• Fraction: 1/2
  Decimal: 0.50

• Fraction: 1/4
  Decimal: 0.25

• Fraction: 3/4
  Decimal: 0.75

• Fraction: 1/8
  Decimal: 0.125

• Fraction: 5/8
  Decimal: 0.625

• Fraction: 7/8
  Decimal: 0.875

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Fraction Calculator FAQ

How do you simplify a fraction?
Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.

What is a numerator?
The numerator is the top number of a fraction.

What is a denominator?
The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction.

How do you add fractions?
Find a common denominator, add the numerators, then simplify.

How do you subtract fractions?
Find a common denominator, subtract the numerators, then simplify.

How do you multiply fractions?
Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

How do you divide fractions?
Flip the second fraction and multiply.

What is a mixed number?
A mixed number contains a whole number and a fraction.

What is an improper fraction?
An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator.

Why are fractions important?
Fractions are used in measurements, construction, engineering, finance, education, and everyday life.