How do you add two fractions?

Put both fractions over a common denominator, add the numerators, then simplify. For 1/2 + 1/3 the common denominator is 6, giving 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6. This calculator does the common denominator and the simplifying for you and shows the result in lowest terms.

Does it simplify the answer automatically?

Yes. Every result is reduced to lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. So 6/8 is shown as 3/4, and an answer like 4/2 is shown as 2.

Can it show a mixed number?

Yes. When the answer is larger than one whole, it is shown both as an improper fraction and as a mixed number, so 7/4 also appears as 1 3/4. The decimal value is shown alongside.

Does this work offline and is anything sent to a server?

The calculation runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is sent anywhere, and once the page has loaded it keeps working with no connection. There is no sign-up and no limit on how many calculations you make.

Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply or divide two fractions and get the answer in lowest terms, shown as both an improper fraction and a mixed number. Enter whole numbers, simple fractions or mixed numbers. A free fraction calculator that shows the result exactly, in your browser.

Exact, step-by-step answers
100% free
No sign-up, no app
Instant as you type
Works offline after first load

Read the guide: How to Add Fractions

Fraction A

Fraction B

Answer

5/6

1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6

Lowest terms

5/6

Mixed number

5/6

Decimal

0.833333

How to use it

1
Enter two fractions

Type a numerator and denominator for each fraction. A whole number works too: just leave the denominator as 1.
2
Pick the operation

Choose add, subtract, multiply or divide. The answer updates as you type, with no button to press.
3
Read the result

See the answer in lowest terms, as both an improper fraction and a mixed number, plus its decimal value.

When it comes in handy

Homework and study

Check fraction arithmetic and see the simplified answer, so you can confirm your own working.

Cooking and scaling

Combine fraction amounts when halving or doubling a recipe, such as adding 1/2 cup and 1/3 cup.

Measuring and DIY

Add or subtract fractional inch measurements and get a clean, simplified result.

Instant, exact & 100% in your browser

The maths runs right here in your browser, with fractions and whole numbers kept exact rather than rounded along the way. Nothing you type is sent to a server, there is no sign-up and no limit, and once the page has loaded it keeps working even with no connection.

Frequently asked questions

How do you add two fractions?: Put both fractions over a common denominator, add the numerators, then simplify. For 1/2 + 1/3 the common denominator is 6, giving 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6. This calculator does the common denominator and the simplifying for you and shows the result in lowest terms.
Does it simplify the answer automatically?: Yes. Every result is reduced to lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. So 6/8 is shown as 3/4, and an answer like 4/2 is shown as 2.
Can it show a mixed number?: Yes. When the answer is larger than one whole, it is shown both as an improper fraction and as a mixed number, so 7/4 also appears as 1 3/4. The decimal value is shown alongside.
Does this work offline and is anything sent to a server?: The calculation runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is sent anywhere, and once the page has loaded it keeps working with no connection. There is no sign-up and no limit on how many calculations you make.