Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply or divide two fractions — automatically simplified.

Results are automatically simplified to lowest terms.

Result
5/6
≈ 0.833333

Adding and subtracting fractions requires a common denominator first; multiplying and dividing don't — that's why the underlying steps differ even though the interface looks the same.

A worked example

Adding 1/2 and 1/3 gives 5/6 — found by converting both to sixths (3/6 and 2/6) before adding.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a common denominator to add fractions but not to multiply them?

Addition combines like-sized pieces, so the pieces (denominators) have to match first. Multiplication scales two fractions against each other directly — denominators multiply straight across without needing to match.

What does 'simplified to lowest terms' mean?

Dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, so the fraction is expressed with the smallest possible whole numbers — 4/8 and 1/2 represent the same value, but 1/2 is in lowest terms.