Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers in simplest form. This calculator also simplifies proper fractions by reducing to lowest terms and showing the work involved.

In order to simplify a fraction there must be:

A number that will divide evenly into both the numerator and denominator so it can be reduced, or

The numerator must be greater than the denominator, (an improper fraction), so it can be converted to a mixed number.

An improper fraction is any fraction where the numerator is greater than the denominator. Examples of improper fractions are 16/3, 81/9, 525/71.

Divide the numerator by the denominator

Write down the whole number result

Use the remainder as the new numerator over the denominator. This is the fraction part of the mixed number.

Watch the CalculatorSoup video How to Simplify Fractions on YouTube!

Example: Convert the improper fraction 16/3 to a mixed number.

Divide 16 by 3: 16 ÷ 3 = 5 with remainder of 1

The whole number result is 5

The remainder is 1. With 1 as the numerator and 3 as the denominator, the fraction part of the mixed number is 1/3.

The mixed number is 5 1/3. So 16/3 = 5 1/3.

When possible this calculator first reduces an improper fraction to lowest terms before finding the mixed number form.

Example: Convert the improper fraction 45/10 to a mixed number.

For additional explanation of factoring numbers to find the greatest common factor (GCF) see the Greatest Common Factor Calculator.

If your improper fraction numbers are large you can use the Long Division with Remainders Calculator to find whole number and remainder values when simplifying fractions by hand.

To perform math operations on fractions before you simplify them try our Fractions Calculator. This calculator will also simplify improper fractions into mixed numbers.