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:

3/5 + 7/10 - 1/2 = 4/5 = 0.8

Spelled out: four fifths.

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Add: 3/5 + 7/10 = 3 · 2/5 · 2 + 7/10 = 6/10 + 7/10 = 6 + 7/10 = 13/10
    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(5, 10) = 10. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 5 × 10 = 50. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
    In other words, three fifths plus seven tenths equals thirteen tenths.
  2. Subtract: the result of step No. 1 - 1/2 = 13/10 - 1/2 = 13/10 - 1 · 5/2 · 5 = 13/10 - 5/10 = 13 - 5/10 = 8/10 = 2 · 4/2 · 5 = 4/5
    It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal) denominator for subtracting fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(10, 2) = 10. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 10 × 2 = 20. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 2 gives 4/5.
    In other words, thirteen tenths minus one half equals four fifths.

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


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)

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: February 17, 2026