Fraction calculator



This fractions calculator performs all fraction operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and evaluates expressions with fractions. It also shows detailed step-by-step informations.

The result:

2 1/2 = 5/2 = 2 1/2 = 2.5

The spelled result in words is five halfs (or two and one half).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Conversion a mixed number 2 1/2 to a improper fraction: 2 1/2 = 2 1/2 = 2 · 2 + 1/2 = 4 + 1/2 = 5/2

    To find a new numerator:
    a) Multiply the whole number 2 by the denominator 2. Whole number 2 equally 2 * 2/2 = 4/2
    b) Add the answer from the previous step 4 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 4 + 1 = 5
    c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 5) over the denominator 2.

    Two and one half is five halfs.

Rules for expressions with fractions:

Fractions - use a forward slash to divide the numerator by the denominator, i.e., for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. If you use mixed numbers, leave a space between the whole and fraction parts.

Mixed numerals (mixed numbers or fractions) keep one space between the integer and
fraction and use a forward slash to input fractions i.e., 1 2/3 . An example of a negative mixed fraction: -5 1/2.
Because slash is both sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) as the operator of division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal point . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 1.45.


Math Symbols


OpSymbol 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)

See practise with fractions »

Last Modified: September 8, 2024