Fraction Calculator
Simplify any fraction to its lowest terms or perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on two fractions. See the step-by-step solution.
Step-by-step: GCD of 12 and 8 is 4, so 12/8 = 3/2 = 1.5
How it works
To simplify a fraction, the calculator finds the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator using the Euclidean algorithm, then divides both by the GCD to produce the fraction in its lowest terms. For example, 12/18 has a GCD of 6, so it simplifies to 2/3.
For arithmetic operations, the calculator follows standard mathematical rules. Addition and subtraction require a common denominator — the tool finds the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the two denominators, converts both fractions, then adds or subtracts the numerators. Multiplication is straightforward: multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Division flips the second fraction and multiplies. Every result is automatically simplified to its lowest terms.
The step-by-step breakdown shows each stage of the calculation so you can follow the logic and learn the process, making it useful for homework, teaching, or double-checking your own work. All math runs in your browser with exact whole-number arithmetic, so you never get rounding errors.