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Adding and subtracting fractions calculator icon showing two fractions

Adding and Subtracting Fractions Calculator

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Separate values with commas. Start a value with - to subtract it. Mixed numbers use a space, e.g. 2 1/4.

This is a worked example. Clear the field and enter your own values, then press Calculate.

ANSWER

Solution

Adding and subtracting several fractions and mixed numbers together in one expression means finding a common denominator across all of them, this calculator handles any mix of fractions, mixed numbers, and integers at once.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your values separated by commas, for example 1/2, -1/3, 2 1/4.
  2. Start any value with a minus sign to subtract it instead of adding.
  3. Read the Answer as a simplified fraction (and mixed number if applicable), plus the full step-by-step solution.

What this calculator does

This tool accepts any combination of fractions, mixed numbers, or plain integers separated by commas, finds a common denominator across all of them, applies each value’s addition or subtraction, and simplifies the final result to lowest terms.

Common denominator method: convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction over the least common denominator, then add/subtract numerators

Why mixed numbers need converting first

A mixed number like 2 1/4 needs to be converted to an improper fraction (9/4) before it can be combined with other fractions in the addition or subtraction, this calculator handles that conversion automatically as part of the solution, then converts the final answer back to a mixed number if the result is appropriately large.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix fractions, mixed numbers, and whole integers in one calculation?

Yes, this calculator accepts any combination of the three, separated by commas, and handles the necessary conversions internally before combining them.

How do I subtract a value instead of adding it?

Start that specific value with a minus sign, for example entering 1/2, -1/3 calculates 1/2 minus 1/3.