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:

5 1/2 + 2 1/7 = 107/14 = 7 9/147.6428571

Spelled out: one hundred seven fourteenths (or seven and nine fourteenths).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Conversion a mixed number 5 1/2 to a improper fraction: 5 1/2 = 5 1/2 = 5 · 2 + 1/2 = 10 + 1/2 = 11/2

    To find a new numerator:
    a) Multiply the whole number 5 by the denominator 2. Whole number 5 equally 5 * 2/2 = 10/2
    b) Add the answer from the previous step 10 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 10 + 1 = 11
    c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 11) over the denominator 2.

    Five and a half is eleven halves.
  2. Conversion a mixed number 2 1/7 to a improper fraction: 2 1/7 = 2 1/7 = 2 · 7 + 1/7 = 14 + 1/7 = 15/7

    To find a new numerator:
    a) Multiply the whole number 2 by the denominator 7. Whole number 2 equally 2 * 7/7 = 14/7
    b) Add the answer from the previous step 14 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 14 + 1 = 15
    c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 15) over the denominator 7.

    Two and one seventh is fifteen sevenths.
  3. Add: 11/2 + 15/7 = 11 · 7/2 · 7 + 15 · 2/7 · 2 = 77/14 + 30/14 = 77 + 30/14 = 107/14
    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(2, 7) = 14. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 2 × 7 = 14. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
    In other words, eleven halves plus fifteen sevenths equals one hundred seven fourteenths.

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: February 17, 2026