How to use the mixed number calculator
Enter the whole-number part and the numerator and denominator of each mixed number. Choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to calculate the result. You can also leave the whole-number box empty when working with a plain fraction.
For example, to calculate 1½ + 2¼, enter 1 and 1/2 for the first number and 2 and 3/4 for the second. The calculator performs the fraction arithmetic and shows the result as both a mixed number and an improper fraction.
How mixed numbers work
A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction. For example, 1½ means one whole plus one-half. It has the same value as the improper fraction 3/2.
whole a/b = (whole × b + a) / b Example: 1½ = (1 × 2 + 1) / 2 = 3/2 The calculator converts each mixed number to an equivalent improper fraction before performing the arithmetic, then converts the result back to a mixed number when appropriate. If you need to work with fractions without mixed-number input, use the Fraction Calculator.
Adding and subtracting mixed numbers
To add or subtract mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions, find a common denominator when necessary, perform the arithmetic, and simplify the result.
1½ + 2¼ = 3/2 + 11/4 = 6/4 + 11/4 = 17/4 = 4¼ Subtraction follows the same process. Converting to improper fractions first makes it easier to use a common denominator and avoid errors when borrowing between whole and fractional parts.
Multiplying and dividing mixed numbers
Multiplication and division also begin by converting mixed numbers to improper fractions. For multiplication, multiply the numerators and denominators. For division, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
1½ × 2¼ = 3/2 × 11/4 = 33/8 = 4⅛ After the calculation, the result can be reduced to lowest terms. If you want to simplify a fraction without performing arithmetic, use the Simplify Fractions Calculator.
Mixed numbers vs. improper fractions
A mixed number and an improper fraction can represent exactly the same value. A mixed number separates the whole and fractional parts, while an improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to its denominator.
2½ = 5/2 3⅓ = 10/3 4¼ = 17/4 Mixed numbers are often easier to read in measurements and everyday quantities, while improper fractions are convenient for performing arithmetic. If you need to convert between fractions and decimals, use the Fraction to Decimal Calculator or Decimal to Fraction Calculator.
Negative mixed numbers
For a negative mixed number like −1½, the negative sign applies to the entire value, not just the whole-number part. In fraction form, −1½ is −3/2.
−1½ = −(1 + 1/2) = −3/2 To enter a negative mixed number, put the minus sign on the whole-number box, such as −1 with 1/2 in the fraction fields. The sign applies to the complete mixed number.
Frequently asked questions
How do you add two mixed numbers?
Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction, use a common denominator when necessary, add the fractions, and convert the result back to a mixed number if appropriate. For example, 1½ + 2¼ = 3/2 + 11/4 = 17/4 = 4¼.
How do I enter a mixed number here?
Type the whole number in the small box to the left, and enter the numerator and denominator in the fraction boxes. Leave the whole-number box empty when entering a plain fraction.
How do I enter a negative mixed number?
Put the minus sign on the whole-number box, such as -1 for −1½ with 1/2 as the fraction part. The sign applies to the entire mixed number.
How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and put the result over the original denominator. For example, 2½ becomes (2 × 2 + 1)/2 = 5/2.
Can you multiply mixed numbers?
Yes. Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the numerators and denominators, then simplify the result. For example, 1½ × 2 = 3/2 × 2 = 3.
Can you divide mixed numbers?
Yes. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions, then multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second. Simplify the result and convert it back to a mixed number when appropriate.