How to use the mixed number calculator
- 1 Enter the first number's whole part, numerator and denominator.
- 2 Choose the operation: add, subtract, multiply or divide.
- 3 Enter the second number the same way.
- 4 Read the simplified mixed number, the improper fraction, the decimal and the steps.
Worked example
1 1/2 + 2 3/4. As improper fractions these are 3/2 and 11/4. With a common denominator of 8: 12/8 + 22/8 = 34/8, which simplifies to 17/4 = 4 1/4, or 4.25 as a decimal.
Working with mixed numbers
- Convert to improper fractions before any operation.
- Find a common denominator to add or subtract.
- Flip the second fraction to divide.
- Simplify last, then turn back into a mixed number.
Turn answers into percents with the Percentage Calculator, round decimals with the Rounding Calculator, and add up measurements with the Square Footage Calculator.
How it works: Behind the scenes, each mixed number becomes an improper fraction of whole numbers, so the arithmetic is exact. The result is divided by the greatest common divisor of its top and bottom to simplify it, then split back into a whole part and a remainder over the denominator.
Features
All four operations
Add, subtract, multiply and divide mixed numbers.
Exact answers
Whole-number math, fully simplified, with no rounding.
Steps shown
Improper fractions and the common denominator.
When to use it
Homework
Check fraction worksheets and see each step. Simplify plain fractions with the Fraction Calculator.
Cooking
Scale a recipe: 1 1/2 cups × 2, or 3 1/4 cups − 3/4 cup.
Woodworking and sewing
Add measurements like 2 5/8 in + 1 3/4 in.
Decimals
Convert the answer with the Fraction to Decimal Converter.
Related Math tasks
Frequently asked questions
How do you add mixed numbers?
Turn each one into an improper fraction, give them a common denominator, add the numerators and simplify. 1 1/2 + 2 3/4 = 3/2 + 11/4 = 6/4 + 11/4 = 17/4 = 4 1/4.
How do you subtract mixed numbers?
The same way as adding, but subtract the numerators. 3 1/4 − 1 1/2 = 13/4 − 6/4 = 7/4 = 1 3/4.
How do you multiply mixed numbers?
Convert to improper fractions, multiply the numerators and the denominators, then simplify. 1 1/2 × 2 3/4 = 3/2 × 11/4 = 33/8 = 4 1/8.
How do you divide mixed numbers?
Convert to improper fractions, flip the second fraction and multiply. 1 1/2 ÷ 2 3/4 = 3/2 × 4/11 = 12/22 = 6/11.
How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator and keep the denominator. 2 3/4 = (2 × 4 + 3)/4 = 11/4.
How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?
Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole part and the remainder is the new numerator. 17/4 = 4 remainder 1 = 4 1/4.
How do I enter a plain fraction?
Use 0 for the whole part. For 3/4, enter 0, 3 and 4.
How do I enter a negative mixed number?
Make the whole part negative, for example −2 for −2 1/2. For a negative fraction less than one, use a negative numerator.
Why is my answer simplified?
The calculator divides the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, so 6/8 becomes 3/4.
What is a mixed number?
A whole number and a proper fraction together, like 3 1/2, meaning 3 + 1/2.
What is a proper fraction?
A fraction whose numerator is smaller than its denominator, like 3/4. An improper fraction, like 7/4, is 1 or more.
Why do I need a common denominator?
Fractions can only be added or subtracted when they count the same size pieces, so both are rewritten with the same denominator.
What is the least common denominator?
The smallest number both denominators divide into. For 2 and 4 it is 4; using 8 also works and simplifies at the end.
Can the answer be a whole number?
Yes. 1 1/2 + 2 1/2 = 4, and the calculator shows it without a fraction.
How do I check my answer?
Convert both numbers to decimals, do the operation, and compare with the decimal answer shown.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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