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Math

Mixed Number Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide mixed numbers instantly

Inputs

Format: whole numerator/denominator (e.g. 1 3/4), a fraction (3/4), or a whole number (5). Prefix with - for negatives.

Try an example

Result

1 3/4 + 2 1/24 1/4Improper fraction: 17/4
Mixed number4 1/4
Improper fraction17/4
Whole + fraction4 + 1/4
Decimal4.25
  1. 1Original expression: (1 3/4) + (2 1/2)
  2. 2Convert to improper fractions: 7/4 + 5/2
  3. 3Find common denominator (LCM of 4 and 2): 4
  4. 4Rewrite with common denominator: 7/4 + 10/4
  5. 5Add numerators: 17/4
  6. 6Simplify (reduce to lowest terms): 4 1/4
  7. 7Convert to mixed number: 4 1/4

How mixed number arithmetic works

  1. 1Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction: multiply the whole part by the denominator, then add the numerator.
  2. 2Operate: for +/− find the LCM of denominators; for × multiply straight across; for ÷ multiply by the reciprocal.
  3. 3Simplify using the GCD, then convert back to a mixed number.
1 1/2 + 2 3/44 1/4
5 1/3 − 2 2/32 2/3
2 1/2 × 1 1/53
3 3/4 ÷ 1 1/22 1/2
About

A mixed number calculator lets you perform arithmetic on mixed numbers — numbers written as a whole part plus a proper fraction, such as 2 3/4. Whether you need to add mixed numbers for a recipe, subtract them for a woodworking measurement, multiply them for scaling, or divide them for unit conversions, this tool gives you the simplified result and a clear step-by-step breakdown instantly.

FAQ
How do I enter a mixed number?+

Type the whole number, a space, then the fraction — for example: 1 3/4. You can also enter a plain fraction like 3/4 or a whole number like 5. Prefix with a minus sign for negative values, e.g. -2 1/8.

Why does the calculator convert to improper fractions first?+

Converting to improper fractions (e.g. 1 3/4 becomes 7/4) makes arithmetic straightforward and avoids errors. The tool then simplifies the result using the GCD and converts back to a mixed number for you.

How does the tool simplify the result?+

After computing the answer as an improper fraction, the calculator divides numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD) to reach the lowest terms, then extracts the whole-number part to form the final mixed number.

Can this calculator handle negative mixed numbers?+

Yes. Prefix any mixed number with a minus sign (e.g. -1 1/4) and the calculator will correctly apply the sign throughout the operation, including when adding a negative to a positive or subtracting a larger value from a smaller one.

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