General Guide

Fraction Calculator: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide with Working

Free fraction calculator with step-by-step working. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, simplify fractions and convert mixed numbers for PSLE and O-Level.

24 January 2026 6 min read
Fraction Calculator: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide with Working

Fraction Calculator with Step-by-Step Working

Add, subtract, multiply, divide, simplify fractions, and convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions. See the complete working for every calculation.

Free Fraction Calculator

Use this calculator to perform any fraction operation with full step-by-step working. Perfect for checking your homework, understanding the method, or learning how fraction operations work.

Fraction Calculator

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How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select an operation: Choose from Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide, Simplify, or Convert
  2. Enter your fractions: Use the input fields for whole number, numerator, and denominator
  3. Click Calculate: See the answer and complete step-by-step working
  4. Learn the method: Study the steps to understand how to solve it yourself

💡 Mixed Numbers

For mixed numbers like 2³⁄₄, enter “2” in the whole number box, “3” as the numerator, and “4” as the denominator. For simple fractions like ³⁄₄, leave the whole number box empty or enter “0”.


Fraction Operations Explained

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator.

Same denominator: 25+15=2+15=35\frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{2+1}{5} = \frac{3}{5}

Different denominators: 13+14=412+312=712\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} = \frac{7}{12}

Finding the Common Denominator

Find the LCM (Lowest Common Multiple) of the denominators. Then convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator.

Multiplying Fractions

Multiplication is straightforward: multiply across.

23×45=2×43×5=815\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{4}{5} = \frac{2 \times 4}{3 \times 5} = \frac{8}{15}

💡 Simplify First

You can simplify before multiplying to make the numbers smaller. This is called “cross-cancelling”.

Dividing Fractions (Keep-Change-Flip)

To divide fractions, use the KCF method:

  • Keep the first fraction
  • Change ÷ to ×
  • Flip the second fraction (reciprocal)

34÷25=34×52=158=178\frac{3}{4} \div \frac{2}{5} = \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{5}{2} = \frac{15}{8} = 1\frac{7}{8}

Simplifying Fractions

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (Greatest Common Divisor).

1218=12÷618÷6=23\frac{12}{18} = \frac{12 \div 6}{18 \div 6} = \frac{2}{3}

A fraction is fully simplified when the GCD of numerator and denominator is 1.

Converting Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Mixed → Improper: Multiply the whole number by the denominator, then add the numerator.

234=(2×4)+34=1142\frac{3}{4} = \frac{(2 \times 4) + 3}{4} = \frac{11}{4}

Improper → Mixed: Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, the remainder is the new numerator.

114=234\frac{11}{4} = 2\frac{3}{4} (because 11 ÷ 4 = 2 remainder 3)


Common Fraction Mistakes

Mistake 1: Adding denominators

✗ ½ + ⅓ = ²⁄₅ (WRONG - you added denominators)

✓ ½ + ⅓ = ³⁄₆ + ²⁄₆ = ⁵⁄₆ (CORRECT)

Mistake 2: Forgetting to flip when dividing

✗ ²⁄₃ ÷ ⁴⁄₅ = ²⁄₃ × ⁴⁄₅ (WRONG - didn’t flip)

✓ ²⁄₃ ÷ ⁴⁄₅ = ²⁄₃ × ⁵⁄₄ = ¹⁰⁄₁₂ = ⁵⁄₆ (CORRECT)

Mistake 3: Not simplifying the final answer

✗ ⁶⁄₈ (not fully simplified)

✓ ⁶⁄₈ = ³⁄₄ (simplified by dividing by 2)


Quick Reference Table

OperationMethodExample
Add/SubtractFind common denominator, add/subtract numerators¹⁄₄ + ²⁄₄ = ³⁄₄
MultiplyMultiply numerators, multiply denominators²⁄₃ × ³⁄₄ = ⁶⁄₁₂ = ¹⁄₂
DivideKeep-Change-Flip, then multiply²⁄₃ ÷ ¹⁄₂ = ²⁄₃ × ²⁄₁ = ⁴⁄₃
SimplifyDivide by GCD⁸⁄₁₂ = ²⁄₃
Mixed → Improper(whole × denom) + numer2¹⁄₄ = ⁹⁄₄
Improper → MixedDivide, quotient + remainder⁷⁄₃ = 2¹⁄₃

Fraction Tips for Exams

For PSLE Students

  • Always show your working for method marks
  • Simplify your final answer
  • Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers unless told otherwise
  • Check by converting to decimals

For O-Level Students

  • Fractions with algebra work the same way
  • Factorise before simplifying
  • Keep answers as fractions (more accurate than decimals)
  • Watch for restrictions (denominator ≠ 0)

Why Learn Fractions?

Fractions are fundamental to mathematics. You’ll use them in:

  • Ratios and proportions (PSLE word problems)
  • Algebra (solving equations, simplifying expressions)
  • Probability (chances are often expressed as fractions)
  • Real life (cooking, measuring, dividing things equally)

Understanding fractions deeply — not just memorizing steps — will help you in more advanced math topics.

Master Fractions with Practice

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Topics covered:

fraction calculator add fractions subtract fractions multiply fractions divide fractions simplify fractions mixed numbers PSLE Math O-Level Math Singapore Math step-by-step working

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