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Divide fractions

Enter two fractions and see the quotient simplified, as a mixed number and as a decimal. The steps show the trick: dividing by a fraction is multiplying by its reciprocal.

For example 3/4, 1 1/2, −2 or 0.25.

Fill in the fields; the answer appears here straight away.

How it works

  1. Enter the values

    Type the numbers or the formula. Decimals may use a point or a comma. No idea? Click Fill in an example.

  2. Instant answer

    The answer appears as you type, with the most important intermediate values.

  3. See the working

    Under "How it's worked out" you see the steps, handy for checking your own calculation.

How to divide fractions

Flip the second fraction and multiply: 3/4 ÷ 5/8 = 3/4 × 8/5 = 24/20 = 6/5, which is 1 1/5 as a mixed number and 1.2 as a decimal. The flipped fraction is called the reciprocal.

Dividing by zero

A fraction with 0 in the numerator, such as 0/5, is 0, and you can't divide by 0. The calculator tells you instead of giving a wrong answer.

Input can be fractions, mixed numbers, whole numbers or decimals, and the result is exact. To multiply, use multiply fractions.

More examples

  • A whole number ÷ a fraction: 2 ÷ 1/4 = 2 × 4 = 8, because eight quarters fit in two wholes.
  • A fraction ÷ a whole number: 1/2 ÷ 3 = 1/6, half a pizza shared among three people.
  • Mixed numbers: 1 1/2 ÷ 3/4 = 3/2 × 4/3 = 12/6 = 2.

Why flipping works

A division is the same as a fraction with the divisor underneath: (3/4) / (5/8). Multiply the top and bottom by 8/5, the reciprocal of 5/8, and the bottom becomes 1. The top becomes 3/4 × 8/5 = 24/20 = 6/5. That is the rule you apply by hand, and what the calculator shows in its steps.

Dividing by a fraction is not the same as dividing by a number

Dividing by 1/2 doubles a number, but dividing by 2 halves it. Choose between the two carefully when reading a problem. For plain numbers use the division calculator; to multiply fractions, see multiply fractions.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you flip the second fraction when dividing?

Dividing by a number means multiplying by its reciprocal. Dividing by 1/4 asks how many quarters fit, which is 4 for every whole, so 2 ÷ 1/4 = 2 × 4 = 8.

How do I divide a fraction by a whole number?

Write the whole number as a fraction over 1 and flip it: 1/2 ÷ 3 = 1/2 × 1/3 = 1/6.

Can the answer be larger than the starting fraction?

Yes, when you divide by a fraction smaller than 1. 3/4 ÷ 1/2 = 3/2. Dividing by a number larger than 1 makes the result smaller.

What if the second fraction is zero?

Division by zero has no answer, so the calculator says so instead of giving a result.