Mixed Number Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply and divide mixed numbers and fractions. Free mixed number calculator showing the simplified result, improper fraction and decimal.
About the Mixed Number Calculator
A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction, like 2 3/4. This free mixed number calculator performs the four operations on mixed numbers and fractions, then gives the answer as a simplified mixed number, an improper fraction and a decimal, so you can use whichever form your work needs.
It works by converting each mixed number to an improper fraction, applying the operation with a common denominator, then reducing using the greatest common divisor and converting back. For example, 2 1/2 + 1 3/4 becomes 5/2 + 7/4 = 10/4 + 7/4 = 17/4 = 4 1/4.
Students learning fractions, cooks scaling recipes and anyone working with measurements in feet-and-inches or similar mixed units use this daily. Everything runs in your browser with no signup.
How to Use the Mixed Number Calculator
- 1Enter the first mixed number as whole, numerator and denominator (leave whole blank for a pure fraction).
- 2Choose the operation: add, subtract, multiply or divide.
- 3Enter the second mixed number the same way.
- 4Read the simplified mixed number, improper fraction and decimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add mixed numbers?
Convert each to an improper fraction, find a common denominator, add the numerators, then simplify. For 2 1/2 + 1 3/4: convert to 5/2 and 7/4, rewrite as 10/4 and 7/4, add to 17/4, which is 4 1/4. The calculator shows the result in all three forms.
How do I multiply mixed numbers?
Turn both into improper fractions and multiply straight across. For 2 1/2 × 1 1/3: 5/2 × 4/3 = 20/6 = 10/3 = 3 1/3. Never multiply the whole numbers separately — that gives the wrong answer.
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. 3 2/5 becomes (3 × 5 + 2) ÷ 5 = 17/5. This is the first step behind every mixed-number operation.
How do I divide mixed numbers?
Convert to improper fractions, then multiply by the reciprocal of the second. For 2 1/2 ÷ 1 1/4: 5/2 ÷ 5/4 = 5/2 × 4/5 = 20/10 = 2. Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its flip.
What if my answer is a whole number or a proper fraction?
The calculator handles every case: if the result reduces to a whole number it shows just that, and if it is less than one it shows a proper fraction with no whole part. It always presents the fully simplified form.