Mixed Number Calculator

The mixed number calculator is a life-saver if you struggle with mixed fractions. Choose one out of seven operations, input your fractions, calculate and... breathe a sigh of relief. It gets the job done!

Clear
Result17/4in lowest terms
Mixed number4 1/4
Decimal4.25
Percentage425%

Working with mixed numbers

First as improper5/2 (2 1/2)
Second as improper7/4 (1 3/4)
Operation5/2 + 7/4
Result17/4 = 4 1/4

The method

convert to improper fractions, operate, convert back

The rules in one place

  • Adding and subtracting needs a common denominator first. The lowest common denominator keeps the numbers smallest, but any common denominator works.
  • Multiplying needs no common denominator at all — multiply across the top and across the bottom.
  • Dividing means multiplying by the reciprocal: flip the second fraction and multiply.
  • Reducing divides top and bottom by their greatest common divisor. It never changes the value.

Why lowest terms matter

6/8 and 3/4 are the same number, but 3/4 is easier to compare, easier to check and conventional in an answer. Reducing also keeps later arithmetic small: multiplying unreduced fractions makes the numbers grow fast, and cancelling first avoids that.