Fraction Simplifier

Reduce any fraction to its lowest terms instantly. See the greatest common divisor used, the mixed-number form and the decimal value — free, private and computed entirely in your browser.

Enter the numerator on top and the denominator below. Negatives are supported, and there is no size limit.

How to use the fraction simplifier

  1. Type the numerator. Enter the top number of your fraction, for example 24. Negative numbers like -24 work too.
  2. Type the denominator. Enter the bottom number, for example 36. The simplified fraction appears instantly.
  3. Check the working. The tool shows the GCD it divided by, the mixed-number form for improper fractions, and the decimal value. Copy any of it with one click.

About this tool

This free fraction simplifier (also called a fraction reducer) rewrites a fraction in lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, found with the Euclidean algorithm. For example, GCD(24, 36) = 12, so 24/36 reduces to 2/3. Improper fractions such as 42/8 are also shown as mixed numbers (5 1/4), which is often the form teachers ask for in the final answer.

Because the tool uses exact integer arithmetic, it simplifies correctly even for numbers with hundreds of digits — there is no rounding involved. Everything runs locally in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded or stored. If you need to add or multiply fractions first, try the Fraction Calculator, or use the GCD Calculator to explore the divisor itself.

Frequently asked questions

How do you simplify a fraction by hand?

Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by it. For 24/36 the GCD is 12, giving 2/3. The Euclidean algorithm finds the GCD quickly: repeatedly replace the larger number with the remainder of dividing it by the smaller one until the remainder is 0.

What if my fraction is already in simplest form?

If the GCD of the numerator and denominator is 1, the fraction cannot be reduced any further — the tool tells you it is already fully simplified and just shows the mixed-number and decimal forms.

How are negative fractions simplified?

The sign is kept on the numerator by convention. So -24/36 becomes -2/3, and 24/-36 is first rewritten as -24/36 and then reduced to -2/3. A fraction with two negative signs is positive.

Can the tool convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Yes. Whenever the absolute numerator is larger than the denominator, the "Mixed number" stat shows the whole part and the remaining proper fraction — for example 42/8 simplifies to 21/4, which equals 5 1/4.