Math
Multiplying Fractions Calculator
Multiply two or three fractions, mixed numbers, whole numbers, or decimals.
The calculator converts mixed numbers to improper fractions, cross-cancels common factors before multiplying so the numbers stay small, multiplies straight across, and gives the product as a simplified fraction, mixed number, decimal, and percent.
Type a fraction (3/4), a mixed number (2 1/3), a whole number, or a decimal (1.75). Repeating decimals work too: 0.(3).
Second factor.
Third factor, if you have one.
Try an example
Result
Result (simplified)
—
- Mixed number
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- Decimal
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- Percent
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- Product before cancelling
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Student quick launch
Grade planning, algebra checks, and formulas students reach for most.
Study path
Use this calculator with
Follow these when you want the formula behind the answer, a short lesson, or nearby tools in the same topic.
How to multiply fractions
Multiplying fractions is the one fraction operation that does not need a common The bottom number of a fraction; it says how many equal parts make one whole.. Multiply the The top number of a fraction; it counts how many parts you have. to get the new numerator and the denominators to get the new denominator, then simplify. Cross-cancelling (dividing a numerator and a denominator by a shared factor before multiplying) gives the same answer with smaller numbers.
Multiplying mixed numbers and whole numbers
Convert A whole number written next to a fraction, like 2 1/3. to A fraction whose top number is at least as big as its bottom number, like 7/3. first: 2 1/2 = 5/2. Whole numbers are fractions over 1: 3 = 3/1. Multiplying the whole parts and the fraction parts separately does not work, because (2 + 1/2) × (1 + 1/3) has four cross terms, not two.
| Problem | Cross-cancel | Product |
|---|---|---|
| 2/3 × 3/4 | 3 cancels | 2/4 = 1/2 |
| 5 × 2/7 | none | 10/7 = 1 3/7 |
| 2 1/2 × 1 1/3 | 5/2 × 4/3, 2 and 4 share 2 | 10/3 = 3 1/3 |
| -3/5 × 5/6 | 5 cancels, 3 and 6 share 3 | -1/2 |
How to use it
- Type each factor as a fraction (3/8), mixed number (2 1/2), whole number (5), or decimal (0.75).
- Leave the third box blank to multiply two factors only.
- Read the simplified product plus its mixed-number, decimal, and percent forms.
- Open Show the work to see mixed-number conversion, every cross-cancellation, the straight-across multiplication, and the final simplification.
How to read the answer
The product is exact. If it is smaller than either factor, you multiplied by something less than 1. A negative product means an odd number of the factors were negative. The mixed-number form is easiest to picture; the decimal is easiest to compare.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Do not find a common denominator to multiply. That step belongs to adding and subtracting.
- Cross-cancel only a numerator with a denominator, never two numerators or two denominators.
- Convert mixed numbers before multiplying: 2 1/2 × 2 is 5, not 4 1/2.
- Any factor of 0 makes the whole product 0.
- Two negative factors give a positive product; one negative factor gives a negative product.
Worked examples
Cross-cancelling
4/9 × 3/8
Result (simplified)
1/6
Mixed numbers
2 1/2 × 1 1/3
Result (simplified)
10/3
Whole number times fraction
5 × 2/7
Result (simplified)
10/7
Negative factor
-3/5 × 5/6
Result (simplified)
-1/2
Three fractions
1/2 × 2/3 × 3/4
Result (simplified)
1/4
Factor of zero
0 × 7/8
Result (simplified)
0
Decimal factor
0.25 × 4/5
Result (simplified)
1/5
Bad input
1/2 × 3/0
Result (simplified)
Error
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a common denominator to multiply fractions?+
No. Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify. Common denominators are only for adding and subtracting.
What is cross-cancelling?+
Dividing a numerator and a denominator (from different fractions or the same one) by a shared factor before multiplying. It gives the same answer with smaller numbers and less simplifying at the end.
How do you multiply a fraction by a whole number?+
Write the whole number over 1 and multiply straight across: 5 × 2/7 = 5/1 × 2/7 = 10/7 = 1 3/7.
How do you multiply mixed numbers?+
Convert each to an improper fraction, multiply, then convert back if you want a mixed number: 2 1/2 × 1 1/3 = 5/2 × 4/3 = 20/6 = 10/3 = 3 1/3.
Why is the product smaller than the numbers I multiplied?+
Multiplying by a fraction less than 1 takes a part of the other number. 1/2 × 1/3 means half of a third, which is 1/6.
Can I multiply three fractions at once?+
Yes. Use the optional third box. Cross-cancelling works across all three factors.
About this calculator
- Written by
- mathcheck editorial team
- Last reviewed
- September 4, 2026
Method
- Uses the values entered by the user and stable formulas documented on the page.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026