Fraction calculator



This calculator adds two fractions. First, all fractions are converted to a common denominator when they have different denominators. To do this, find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) or multiply all denominators to determine a common denominator. Once all denominators are the same, add the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Finally, simplify the result to its lowest terms or convert it to a mixed number.

The result:

1/3 + 1/9 = 4/90.4444444

Spelled out: four ninths.

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Add: 1/3 + 1/9 = 1 · 3/3 · 3 + 1/9 = 3/9 + 1/9 = 3 + 1/9 = 4/9
    It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal) denominator for adding fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(3, 9) = 9. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 3 × 9 = 27. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
    In other words, one third plus one ninth equals four ninths.

Rules for expressions with fractions:

Fractions - Use a forward slash to separate the numerator and denominator. For example, for five-hundredths, enter 5/100.

Mixed numbers Leave one space between the whole number and the fraction part, and use a forward slash for the fraction. For example, enter 1 2/3 . For negative mixed numbers, write the negative sign before the whole number, such as -5 1/2.

Division of fractions - Since the forward slash is used for both fraction lines and division, use a colon (:) to divide fractions. For example, to divide 1/2 by 1/3, enter 1/2 : 1/3.

Decimals Enter decimal numbers using a decimal point (.), and they will be automatically converted to fractions. For example, enter 1.45.


Math Symbols


SymbolSymbol nameSymbol MeaningExample
+plus signaddition 1/2 + 1/3
-minus signsubtraction 1 1/2 - 2/3
*asteriskmultiplication 2/3 * 3/4
×times signmultiplication 2/3 × 5/6
:division signdivision 1/2 : 3
/division slashdivision 1/3 / 5
:coloncomplex fraction 1/2 : 1/3
^caretexponentiation / power 1/4^3
()parenthesescalculate expression inside first-3/5 - (-1/4)

Understanding Order of Operations

Ever wondered why calculators don't just work left to right? This calculator follows the mathematical order of operations — a set of rules that ensures everyone solves expressions the same way, every time.

Popular Memory Tricks

Different regions use different mnemonics to remember this order:

* PEMDAS - Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
* BEDMAS - Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
* BODMAS - Brackets, Order (or "Of"), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
* GEMDAS - Grouping symbols (parentheses, brackets, braces: (){}), Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction

The Golden Rules

Rule 1: Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. Think of them as the VIPs that skip to the front of the line!

Rule 2: When operations have equal priority (like × and ÷, or + and −), work from left to right—just like reading a book.

Pro tip: MDAS is a simplified version focusing on the core concept: Multiplication and Division share the same priority level, as do Addition and Subtraction.

Last Modified: January 20, 2026