Fraction Simplifier – Simplify Fraction Calculator

Enter a fraction below to simplify or reduce a fraction into the simplest form. The calculator shows all of the steps used to simplify the fraction.

How to Simplify a Fraction

A fraction is a simplified fraction when the top and bottom numbers are as small as possible while still being whole numbers. Some fractions can be reduced to a simpler form, which means simplifying the fraction to the lowest possible terms.

A simplified or reduced fraction will not have any common factors between the numerator or denominator other than 1.

For example, the fractions 34 and 68 are equivalent fractions, meaning they are equal. However, 34 is in the lowest possible terms because the only common factor of 3 and 4 is 1.

Follow a few simple steps to reduce a fraction.

Step One: Find the Greatest Common Factor

The first step to reducing a fraction is to find the greatest common factor between the numerator and the denominator. You’ll need the greatest common factor in the second step.

The greatest common factor is the largest number that is evenly divisible by both the numerator and denominator.

See our greatest common factor calculator for additional information on finding the greatest common factor.

Step Two: Divide by the Greatest Common Factor

Armed with the greatest common factor, it’s now possible to reduce the fraction. To do so, divide both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common factor. The result is a reduced fraction.

How to Simplify and Reduce Fractions Larger Than 1

Some fractions are larger than 1, which is when the numerator is larger than the denominator. When the numerator is larger than the denominator, it is often helpful to reduce the fraction further into a mixed number.

To do this, divide the denominator by the numerator and set the quotient as the whole number and the remainder as the numerator over the original denominator.