How do I add fractions with different denominators?

Find a common denominator, rewrite both fractions with that denominator, add the numerators, and reduce the result.

Can I use mixed numbers?

Yes. Enter the whole-number part along with the numerator and denominator. The calculator converts mixed numbers to improper fractions before calculating.

Does multiplication need a common denominator?

No. Multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator, then simplify the result.

How does division by a fraction work?

The calculator flips the second fraction to its reciprocal, changes division to multiplication, and then reduces the answer.

Why is there a decimal answer too?

The fraction is the exact answer. The decimal value helps you compare size or check the result on a standard calculator.

Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers with simplified results and step-by-step work.

Need a starting point? Try an example:

For expressions with 3-4 fractions, multiplication and division are evaluated before addition and subtraction. Parentheses are not supported.

Fraction 1

Fraction 2

Result

Add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions

English search results for fraction calculator expect one primary workflow: enter two or more fractions or mixed numbers, choose the operation, and get a reduced answer with understandable steps.

Enter each value as a proper fraction, improper fraction, or mixed number.
Choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division between values.
Review the simplified fraction, mixed-number form, decimal value, and step-by-step explanation.

The calculator supports up to four fractions in one expression and applies multiplication or division before addition or subtraction.

Fraction operation formulas

\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a d + b c}{b d}

For addition, convert both fractions to a common denominator before combining numerators.

\frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a d - b c}{b d}

Subtraction uses the same common-denominator step, then subtracts the adjusted numerators.

\frac{a}{b} \times \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a c}{b d}

Multiplication works directly across numerators and denominators.

\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c}

Division by a fraction is multiplication by its reciprocal.

\frac{n}{d} = \frac{n / g}{d / g}, g = g cd (∣ n ∣, ∣ d ∣)

After the operation, divide numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor to reduce the answer.

Examples and limits

Example	Operation	Simplified result
1/2 and 1/3	add	5/6
1 1/4 and 3/4	subtract	1/2
2/3 and 3/5	multiply	2/5
5/6 and 2/3	divide	5/4

This page is for arithmetic with fractions and mixed numbers. Use the fractions and decimals calculator for decimal inputs or a separate algebra solver for parentheses and variables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

Calculations are based on the listed reference sources. Links open in a new tab.

Updated: June 2, 2026

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