Fraction Calculator
This fraction calculator performs all basic fraction operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – and evaluates expressions with fractions. Each calculation includes a detailed step-by-step explanation.
The result:
(3/7) : (1/4) = 12/7 = 1 5/7 ≅ 1.7142857
Spelled out: twelve sevenths (or one and five sevenths).How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Divide: 3/7 : 1/4 = 3/7 · 4/1 = 3 · 4/7 · 1 = 12/7
Dividing two fractions is the same as multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal value of the second fraction. The first sub-step is to find the reciprocal (reverse the numerator and denominator, reciprocal of 1/4 is 4/1) of the second fraction. Next, multiply the two numerators. Then, multiply the two denominators. In the following intermediate step, the fraction cannot be simplified further by cancelling.
In other words, three sevenths divided by one quarter equals twelve sevenths.
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
| Symbol | Symbol name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | plus sign | addition | 1/2 + 1/3 |
| - | minus sign | subtraction | 1 1/2 - 2/3 |
| * | asterisk | multiplication | 2/3 * 3/4 |
| × | times sign | multiplication | 2/3 × 5/6 |
| : | division sign | division | 1/2 : 3 |
| / | division slash | division | 1/3 / 5 |
| : | colon | complex fraction | 1/2 : 1/3 |
| ^ | caret | exponentiation / power | 1/4^3 |
| () | parentheses | calculate expression inside first | -3/5 - (-1/4) |
Examples:
• adding fractions: 2/4 + 3/4• subtracting fractions: 2/3 - 1/2
• multiplying fractions: 7/8 * 3/9
• dividing fractions: 1/2 : 3/4
• reciprocal of a fraction: 1 : 3/4
• square of a fraction: 2/3 ^ 2
• cube of a fraction: 2/3 ^ 3
• exponentiation of a fraction: 1/2 ^ 4
• fractional exponents: 16 ^ 1/2
• adding fractions and mixed numbers: 8/5 + 6 2/7
• dividing integer and fraction: 5 ÷ 1/2
• complex fractions: 5/8 : 2 2/3
• decimal to fraction: 0.625
• fraction to decimal: 1/4
• fraction to percent: 1/8 %
• comparing fractions: 1/4 2/3
• square root of a fraction: sqrt(1/16)
• expression with brackets: 1/3 * (1/2 - 3 3/8)
• compound fraction: 3/4 of 5/7
• multiplying fractions: 2/3 of 3/5
• divide to find the quotient: 3/5÷2/3
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.
Fractions in word problems:
- Frac answer
What is the answer to 1/2 ÷ 5/7? - Max has
Max has 1/3 of a pound of pretzels and wants to share them equally between himself and a friend. How much will Max's friend receive? - A pizza 2
A pizza is cut into slices that are each 1/6 of the whole. John is going to eat 1/2 of the whole pizza. How many slices will John eat? - Tom can
Tom can run 3/4 of a mile in 1/8 of an hour. What is the unit rate in miles per hour? - Nicola 2
Nicola is playing a video game where each round lasts 7/12 an hour. She has scheduled 3 3/4 hours to play the game. How many rounds can Nicole play? - The physical
The physical therapist asks Mr. Smith to walk 20 minutes in one hour to improve his ambulation. What fractional part of an hour is Mr. Smith to exercise? - The rug
Josie has a rug with an area of 18 square feet. She will put the rug on the floor covered in 1/3 square foot tiles. How many tiles will the rug cover?
more math problems »
Last Modified: May 8, 2026
