Fraction calculator



This fraction calculator performs all fraction operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division — and evaluates expressions with fractions. Each calculation includes detailed step-by-step explanations.

The result:

1 2/4 * 3 5/6 = 23/4 = 5 3/4 = 5.75

Spelled out: twenty-three quarters (or five and three quarters).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Conversion a mixed number 1 2/4 to a improper fraction: 1 2/4 = 1 2/4 = 1 · 4 + 2/4 = 4 + 2/4 = 6/4

    To find a new numerator:
    a) Multiply the whole number 1 by the denominator 4. Whole number 1 equally 1 * 4/4 = 4/4
    b) Add the answer from the previous step 4 to the numerator 2. New numerator is 4 + 2 = 6
    c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 6) over the denominator 4.

    One and two quarters is six quarters.
  2. Conversion a mixed number 3 5/6 to a improper fraction: 3 5/6 = 3 5/6 = 3 · 6 + 5/6 = 18 + 5/6 = 23/6

    To find a new numerator:
    a) Multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 6. Whole number 3 equally 3 * 6/6 = 18/6
    b) Add the answer from the previous step 18 to the numerator 5. New numerator is 18 + 5 = 23
    c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 23) over the denominator 6.

    Three and five sixths is twenty-three sixths.
  3. Multiple: 6/4 * 23/6 = 6 · 23/4 · 6 = 138/24 = 23 · 6/4 · 6 = 23/4
    Multiply both numerators and denominators. Result fraction keep to lowest possible denominator GCD(138, 24) = 6. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 6 gives 23/4.
    In other words, six quarters multiplied by twenty-three sixths equals twenty-three quarters.

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)

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.

Rule 3: Parentheses change the natural order of evaluation of operations.

Last Modified: January 30, 2026