Fraction calculator that keeps the answer exact
Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and get the result as a fraction in lowest terms rather than a rounded decimal. The common denominator, the cancelling, and the simplification are all shown as separate steps.
Part of SolveStep's algebra solver. Equations containing fractions, like x/4 + 1/2 = 3, work here too.
Exact arithmetic, not rounded arithmetic
Most calculators turn 1/3 into 0.333… immediately and everything after that is an approximation. This one keeps fractions as fractions the whole way through, so 1/3 + 1/6 gives exactly 1/2 rather than 0.5 that happens to look right.
That matters in any class where the expected answer is a fraction. It also matters when the decimal is misleading: 2/3 and 0.67 are not the same number, and marking schemes know it.
Adding and subtracting
1/2 + 1/3
The least common denominator is found first and shown as its own step, because that is where most mistakes happen, not in the addition that follows.
Multiplying and dividing
2/3 × 9/4
Common factors are cancelled before multiplying, which keeps the numbers small and the reasoning visible.
Simplifying
6/8
Reduced by the greatest common divisor to lowest terms.
Equations with fractions
x/4 + 1/2 = 3
Solved for x with the fractional coefficients handled exactly rather than converted to decimals first.
Two fraction problems, step by step
Unlike denominators
1/2 + 1/3- The denominators 2 and 3 share no factors, so the least common denominator is their product, 6.
- Rewrite each fraction over 6: 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6.
- Now the denominators match, so add the numerators only: 3 + 2 = 5.
- Check whether 5/6 reduces: 5 is prime and does not divide 6, so it is already in lowest terms.
An equation with a fraction
x/4 + 1/2 = 3- Subtract 1/2 from both sides: x/4 = 3 − 1/2 = 5/2.
- The x-term has a coefficient of 1/4, so multiply both sides by 4.
- x = 4 × 5/2 = 20/2.
- Reduce: 20/2 = 10. Substituting back gives 10/4 + 1/2 = 3. ✓
Fraction calculator FAQ
Does it give the answer as a fraction or a decimal?
As a fraction in lowest terms, with the decimal shown alongside it. Converting to a decimal too early is what makes answers drift, so the fraction is treated as the real result.
How do I type a fraction?
Use a forward slash: 3/4. For an expression, write it the way you would say it: 1/2 + 2/5. Brackets work normally.
Can it handle mixed numbers like 2½?
Enter a mixed number either as an addition, 2 + 1/2, or as the improper fraction 5/2. Both give the same exact result.
Does it show how the common denominator was found?
Yes, as its own numbered step. That step is where most errors happen, so folding it into the final answer would hide the part worth learning.
Can it solve equations that contain fractions?
Yes. Something like x/4 + 1/2 = 3 is solved for x with the fractions handled exactly, rather than being turned into decimals first.
Why does my calculator say 0.833 and this says 5/6?
They are the same number. 5/6 is the exact value; 0.833 is that value rounded. If your answer is meant to be a fraction, the rounded form will usually be marked wrong.