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Fraction Calculator
Calculate with fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals
Enter fractions
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📚 Examples, Rules & Help
⚡Quick Examples of Fraction Operations
🔍How to Calculate Fraction Operations
Understanding Fractions & Mixed Numbers
Proper: numerator < denominator (e.g., 3/4). Improper: numerator ≥ denominator (e.g., 7/4). Mixed numbers combine a whole and a fraction (e.g., 1 3/4).
Convert mixed to improper:
abc→a×c + bc
Common Denominators (Add/Subtract)
To add or subtract fractions, use a common denominator (often the LCM of denominators).
ab±cd
=ad ± bcbd
12+13=36+26
=56
Multiply, Divide, and Simplify
Multiply: multiply numerators and denominators, then simplify. Divide: multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
ab×cd=a×cb×d
ab÷cd=ab×dc=a×db×c
🌍Real-World Applications
🍳 Recipe Scaling & Cooking
Double a recipe calling for 2/3 cup flour, or combine 1/4 cup + 3/8 cup of ingredients
🔨 Construction & Carpentry
Add lumber lengths like 2 3/4 inches + 1 5/8 inches, or find what's left from 8 1/2 feet
🧵 Sewing & Crafts
Calculate fabric needs: 1/2 yard + 3/4 yard, or divide 2 1/4 yards into equal pieces
🏠 Home Improvement & DIY
Calculate pipe lengths like 3 1/2 feet + 2 3/4 feet, or find remaining material from 10 1/4 boards
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter decimals in fractions?
Yes. Decimals like 0.5/1 or 1/2.5 are accepted — we'll convert and simplify.
How do I type a mixed number?
Type a space between the whole and the fraction: for example, 2 1/3. Negative mixed numbers like -1 2/3 are also supported.
Why don't I see a result when dividing by zero?
Division by zero is undefined. If a denominator becomes 0 anywhere, the calculator will show an error and hide previous results.
What about negative denominators?
A negative denominator is equivalent to a negative numerator. We normalize signs and simplify the fraction.
Is there a character limit?
Yes — expressions are limited to 30 characters to keep things fast and readable.
🎯Common Use Cases
🧮 Classroom Practice
- • Convert mixed ↔ improper
- • Find common denominators
- • Simplify using GCD
- • Work with negative values
🍽️ Recipe Math
- • Double or halve recipes
- • Combine 1/4 cup + 2/3 cup
- • Convert to mixed amounts
- • Keep results simplified
📏 Everyday Measurements
- • 3/8 in + 5/16 in
- • Reduce to lowest terms
- • Switch to decimals when needed
- • Mixed number outputs
🔬 Labs & Ratios
- • Multiply/divide fractions
- • Use reciprocals for division
- • Track units
- • Avoid divide-by-zero
💡Calculator Tips & Best Practices
⭐Simplify When Possible
After each operation, reduce by the greatest common divisor (GCD).
📏Add/Subtract Needs a Common Denominator
Use the least common multiple (LCM) of denominators for fewer simplification steps.
💡Division = Multiply by Reciprocal
a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c. Then simplify.
⚠️Watch for Zero Denominators
If any denominator is 0, the expression is invalid — fix before proceeding.
📝Use Parentheses for Clarity
Group operations like (1/2 + 3/4) / 5.
📚 References & Further Reading
Concepts and practice for fraction operations
External Link
Note: These references provide additional mathematical context and verification of the formulas used in this calculator.