Fraction Simplifier – Simplify Fractions Instantly
Simplify fractions to their lowest terms with step-by-step solutions
How to Simplify Fractions:
- Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of numerator and denominator
- Divide both numerator and denominator by the GCD
- The result is the simplified fraction
- A fraction is in simplest form when GCD = 1
Examples:
- 12/18 = 2/3 (GCD = 6)
- 15/25 = 3/5 (GCD = 5)
- 7/9 = 7/9 (Already simplified, GCD = 1)
Fraction Simplifier
Simplify fractions quickly, accurately, and effortlessly with our Fraction Simplifier. Whether you're a student learning basic arithmetic, a teacher preparing examples, or a professional dealing with ratios and proportions, this tool instantly reduces fractions to their lowest terms and shows every step of the process — all in one click.
What Is a Fraction?
A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of two parts:
- The numerator (top number) — representing how many parts you have.
- The denominator (bottom number) — representing how many equal parts make up a whole.
Example:
In the fraction ¾,
- 3 is the numerator,
- 4 is the denominator.
It means 3 parts out of 4 equal parts.Fractions are used in mathematics, science, finance, and everyday life — from splitting a bill to expressing probabilities and ratios.
What Is Fraction Simplification?
Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its simplest form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
For example:
8/12 → divide both by 4 → 2/3
So, 2/3 is the simplified (or reduced) form of 8/12.
Simplifying fractions makes them easier to compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide. It also helps present numbers in their most understandable and standardized form.
Fraction Simplifier — Quick, Easy & Reliable
Our Fraction Simplifier automatically reduces any fraction to its simplest form. Just enter the numerator and denominator, and the tool performs the calculation instantly.
You can simplify:
- Proper fractions (numerator < denominator)
- Improper fractions (numerator > denominator)
- Mixed numbers (like 2¾)
- Negative fractions
- Decimal-to-fraction conversions
Example Inputs
Input Fraction | Simplified Result | Type |
8/12 | 2/3 | Proper fraction |
20/4 | 5 | Improper fraction |
18/24 | 3/4 | Simplified form |
-6/8 | -3/4 | Negative fraction |
2¾ | 11/4 | Mixed to improper conversion |
Formula and Method for Simplifying Fractions
To simplify a fraction:
- Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator.
- Divide both the numerator and denominator by that GCD.
Mathematically:
Simplified Fraction = (Numerator ÷ GCD) / (Denominator ÷ GCD)
Example:
Simplify 36/48.
Step 1: Find GCD(36, 48) = 12
Step 2: Divide both by 12
36 ÷ 12 = 3
48 ÷ 12 = 4
Simplified Fraction = 3/4
How to Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
The GCD (or greatest common factor) of two numbers is the largest number that divides both evenly.
Methods to Find GCD:
- Prime Factorization Method:
Break both numbers into prime factors, then multiply the common primes.
Example:
12 = 2² × 3
18 = 2 × 3²
Common prime factors: 2 × 3 = 6
So, GCD(12, 18) = 6 - Division (Euclidean) Method:
Divide the larger number by the smaller and use remainders recursively.
Example:
GCD(48, 18):
48 ÷ 18 = 2 remainder 12
18 ÷ 12 = 1 remainder 6
12 ÷ 6 = 2 remainder 0
GCD = 6
Once you find the GCD, divide both numerator and denominator by it to simplify.
Step-by-Step Example Simplifications
Example 1: Simplify 15/35
GCD(15, 35) = 5
15 ÷ 5 = 3
35 ÷ 5 = 7
Simplified Fraction = 3/7
Example 2: Simplify 40/100
GCD(40, 100) = 20
40 ÷ 20 = 2
100 ÷ 20 = 5
Simplified Fraction = 2/5
Example 3: Simplify -24/36
GCD(24, 36) = 12
-24 ÷ 12 = -2
36 ÷ 12 = 3
Simplified Fraction = -2/3
Example 4: Simplify 9/3
GCD(9, 3) = 3
9 ÷ 3 = 3
3 ÷ 3 = 1
Simplified Fraction = 3 (Whole number)
Example 5: Simplify Mixed Number 2¾
Convert to improper fraction:
2¾ = (2 × 4 + 3)/4 = 11/4
Already simplified, since 11 and 4 have no common factors.
Simplified Fraction = 11/4
Different Types of Fractions
Understanding the type of fraction helps you simplify correctly.
Type | Description | Example |
Proper Fraction | Numerator < Denominator | 3/5 |
Improper Fraction | Numerator > Denominator | 9/4 |
Mixed Number | Combination of a whole and a fraction | 2¾ |
Equivalent Fractions | Different forms representing same value | 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8 |
Like Fractions | Same denominator | 3/7 and 5/7 |
Unlike Fractions | Different denominators | 2/3 and 3/5 |
Equivalent Fractions
Two fractions are equivalent if they represent the same value after simplification.
Example:
2/4 = 1/2
3/9 = 1/3
You can find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same number.
Example:
1/3 × 2/2 = 2/6 (Equivalent Fraction)
The Fraction Simplifier automatically detects and converts equivalent fractions to their simplest form.
How the Fraction Simplifier Works
Our Fraction Simplifier uses an intelligent algorithm that:
- Parses the input (fraction or mixed number).
- Finds the greatest common divisor (GCD).
- Divides both numerator and denominator by the GCD.
- Returns the simplified result instantly — with or without mixed form
It handles both positive and negative values, large numerators, and even decimal conversions.
Simplifying Fractions with Decimals
If your fraction includes decimals, the tool automatically converts them to integers before simplifying.
Example:
Simplify 0.25/0.5
Multiply both by 100 to remove decimals: 25/50
Simplify → 1/2
Simplified Fraction = 1/2
Converting Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers
When a numerator is larger than its denominator, you can convert the result into a mixed number.
Example:
Simplify 11/4
Step 1: Divide 11 by 4 → 2 remainder 3
Step 2: Write as 2¾
Simplified Result = 2¾
Our Fraction Simplifier can show both forms — improper fraction and mixed number — so you can choose your preferred output.
Real-World Applications of Fraction Simplification
Simplifying fractions is a core mathematical skill with practical uses in everyday life and professional work:
1. Education
Students use simplification to compare fractions and solve equations easily.
2. Finance
Used to simplify interest rates, discounts, and ratios.
3. Cooking and Measurements
Recipes often use fractions (½ cup, ¾ teaspoon), and simplification helps scale recipes up or down accurately.
4. Engineering
Simplifies ratios, proportions, and load calculations.
5. Data Science
Fractions simplify ratios and probabilities when working with large datasets.
Why Use the Digital Calculator Fraction Simplifier?
We designed our Fraction Simplifier to be more than a tool — it’s a smart digital companion for accurate, effortless math.
Key Features:
- Instant simplification for any fraction, big or small.
- Step-by-step results to understand the process.
- Supports mixed numbers, negatives, and decimals.
- Mobile-friendly design — accessible on all devices.
- Free and fast — no sign-up or installation needed.
Whether you’re learning, teaching, or working with data, our Fraction Simplifier ensures clarity, speed, and confidence.
Try the Fraction Simplifier now — and simplify any fraction in seconds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Fraction Simplifier
- Enter your fraction:
Input the numerator and denominator (e.g., 48/60). - Click “Simplify”:
The calculator finds the GCD and reduces the fraction instantly. - View step-by-step results:
See the exact division steps used for simplification. - Convert if needed:
Optionally, view your result as a mixed number or decimal. - Reset and repeat:
Try as many fractions as you like for free.
Fraction Simplification Table
Original Fraction | Simplified Form | Decimal Value |
4/8 | 1/2 | 0.5 |
6/9 | 2/3 | 0.6667 |
8/12 | 2/3 | 0.6667 |
9/15 | 3/5 | 0.6 |
10/25 | 2/5 | 0.4 |
15/45 | 1/3 | 0.3333 |
18/24 | 3/4 | 0.75 |
25/100 | 1/4 | 0.25 |
Tips for Simplifying Fractions Manually
- Use divisibility rules:
- Divisible by 2 → even numbers.
- Divisible by 3 → sum of digits is multiple of 3.
- Divisible by 5 → ends in 0 or 5.
- Divide repeatedly by small primes:
Start with 2, then 3, 5, 7, and so on. - Check with a calculator:
Ensure both numerator and denominator are fully simplified. - Convert to mixed numbers for clarity:
Especially useful when dealing with improper fractions.