1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6
- Find a common denominator. Both 2 and 3 divide into 6.
- Rewrite the fractions. Multiply the top and bottom of 1/2 by 3 to get 3/6. Multiply the top and bottom of 1/3 by 2 to get 2/6.
- Add the numerators. 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6. The denominator stays 6.
- Check simplification. Five and six have no common factor greater than one, so 5/6 is already in simplest form.
Exact answer5 / 6
The decimal begins 0.833333… and repeats. The fraction 5/6 stays exact.
Try it in the Android app
Open Tools, search for Fraction calculator, and choose Fractions in Number format. The example is not prefilled personal data; enter the values yourself.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Fraction A · numerator | 1 |
| Fraction A · denominator | 2 |
| Operation | Add |
| Fraction B · numerator | 1 |
| Fraction B · denominator | 3 |
Review the result and calculation steps. Choose Calculate & save only if you want the calculation kept in local History.
A common mistake
Do not add both numerators and denominators: 1/2 + 1/3 is not 2/5. The pieces must have the same size before you add them.
For the general case, a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/(bd), with non-zero denominators. Then reduce the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor.
Questions about the fraction tool
Can I enter mixed numbers?
Yes. Choose Mixed numbers and use the separate whole-part, numerator and denominator fields. For example, enter 1 in the whole part and 1/2 in the fraction fields for one and a half. Do not type “1 1/2” into a single numerator field.
Can a denominator be zero?
No. A zero denominator is invalid. Dividing by a fraction whose numerator is zero is also invalid.
Do calculations work offline?
Core fraction calculations run on your device without a calculation account. Optional speech recognition and advertising depend on the relevant provider and connection. You can type values instead.
More tools for the next step
Guide updated 30 October 2026. The example describes the released Android app; it does not announce a pending update.