Fraction Simplifier

Simplify any fraction to its lowest terms with our easy-to-use calculator. Perfect for students, teachers, and anyone working with fractions in daily life.

Enter Fraction

Enter the fraction you want to simplify


Quick Examples

Result

2
3
Simplified fraction
Original Fraction

12/18

Simplified Fraction

2/3

GCD

6

Decimal Value

0.6667

Percentage

66.67%

How to Simplify Fractions

Simplifying fractions is a fundamental math skill that reduces fractions to their lowest terms. Our calculator makes this process easy by automatically finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) and simplifying the fraction.

The Simplification Method

To simplify a fraction, follow these steps:

  1. Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator
  2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCD
  3. The result is the simplified fraction in its lowest terms
  4. If the GCD is 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form

Understanding Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) is the largest positive integer that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder. It's the key to simplifying fractions.

Example: GCD of 12 and 18

The factors of 12 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12. The factors of 18 are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18. The greatest common factor is 6.

Common Fraction Simplifications

Original Fraction Simplified GCD
6/8 3/4 2
15/20 3/4 5
24/36 2/3 12
50/100 1/2 50
18/27 2/3 9

Why Simplify Fractions?

Easier Calculations: Simplified fractions are easier to work with in mathematical operations.

Clearer Understanding: Reduced fractions provide a clearer picture of the actual value.

Standard Form: Simplified fractions are the standard way to express fractional values.

Pattern Recognition: Simplified fractions help identify mathematical patterns and relationships.

Reduced Errors: Working with smaller numbers reduces the chance of calculation errors.

Academic Requirements: Many math curricula require answers in simplified form.

Other Fraction Tools

Once you've simplified your fractions, you might want to perform calculations with them. Our comprehensive Fraction Calculator supports addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions with step-by-step solutions.

For converting between different number formats, try our Decimal to Fraction Converter and Fraction to Decimal Converter for seamless conversion between decimal and fractional representations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I simplify a fraction?

To simplify a fraction, find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by this GCD. Our calculator does this automatically and shows you the steps.

What is the GCD and why is it important?

The GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) is the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly. It's crucial for simplification because dividing by the GCD gives you the fraction in its lowest terms.

Can all fractions be simplified?

Not all fractions can be simplified. If the GCD of the numerator and denominator is 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form. For example, 3/7 cannot be simplified further.

What if my fraction is already simplified?

If your fraction is already in its simplest form, our calculator will show that the GCD is 1 and the simplified fraction is the same as the original fraction.

How do I know if a fraction is in its simplest form?

A fraction is in its simplest form when the GCD of the numerator and denominator is 1. This means no number (other than 1) divides both numbers evenly.

Can I simplify improper fractions?

Yes, improper fractions can be simplified using the same method. Find the GCD of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by this GCD to get the simplified improper fraction.

What's the difference between simplifying and reducing fractions?

Simplifying and reducing fractions mean the same thing - both refer to the process of expressing a fraction in its lowest terms by dividing both numerator and denominator by their GCD.

How does fraction simplification help in calculations?

Simplified fractions are easier to work with because they have smaller numbers. This makes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations faster and less prone to errors.