User Guide

Everything you need to master Fractions Calculator.

Getting Started

Fractions Calculator is a powerful yet easy-to-use app for performing fraction arithmetic on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. After downloading from the App Store, open the app and you'll be greeted by the main calculator screen.

System Requirements

Interface Overview

The main screen is divided into three areas:

• Display area — shows the current expression and result at the top of the screen.
• Fraction keypad — the main input area with digit keys, fraction bar, and operator buttons.
• Toolbar — quick access to History, Settings, and the Step-by-Step panel.

Entering Fractions

Fractions are entered using a simple two-step process:

1. Tap the numerator field and type the top number.
2. Tap the fraction bar button (─) or swipe down to move to the denominator field, then type the bottom number.

Negative Fractions

To enter a negative fraction, tap the +/− key after entering the numerator. The negative sign applies to the entire fraction.

Whole Numbers

You can mix whole numbers with fractions in a single expression. Enter the whole number part using the digit keys, then tap the fraction button to add a fractional component and create a mixed number.

Basic Operations

Fractions Calculator supports all four standard arithmetic operations:

Results are always displayed in their simplest (fully reduced) form automatically. You can turn off auto-simplification in Settings if you want to see the raw result first.

Chaining Calculations

After getting a result, simply tap an operator to continue the chain — the result becomes the first operand of the next calculation. This works exactly like a standard calculator.

Mixed Numbers

A mixed number combines a whole number with a proper fraction, such as 2 ¾. Fractions Calculator lets you enter and display results in mixed number form.

Entering a Mixed Number

1. Type the whole number part (e.g., 2).
2. Tap the Mixed button to activate mixed-number mode.
3. Enter the numerator and denominator of the fractional part.

Switching Display Mode

Tap the Mixed ⇄ Improper toggle in the display area to switch how the result is shown between a mixed number and an improper fraction at any time.

Simplifying Fractions

All results are automatically simplified to lowest terms. You can also simplify any fraction on its own:

1. Enter the fraction you want to simplify.
2. Tap the Simplify button (the downward-arrow icon).
3. The simplified fraction is shown in the result area. Tap Steps to see the full working.

The simplification works by computing the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it. The step-by-step panel explains this in plain language.

Step-by-Step Solutions

One of the most powerful features of Fractions Calculator is its ability to show every step of the working, making it ideal for learning and checking your work.

Viewing Steps

1. Perform any calculation.
2. Tap the Steps button (shown as a list icon) in the toolbar or result area.
3. The step-by-step panel slides in, showing each stage of the calculation.

What's Shown

Depending on the operation, steps may include:

• Finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
• Converting to equivalent fractions
• Performing the arithmetic
• Simplifying the result using the GCD
• Converting to a mixed number if applicable

Conversions

Fractions Calculator can instantly convert any fraction to several other formats.

Conversion results are shown in the display area and are also saved to History.

Calculation History

Every calculation you perform is automatically saved to your History. You can access it any time to review, reuse, or share past results.

Accessing History

Tap the clock icon (⏱) in the toolbar to open the History panel. Entries are listed in reverse chronological order, most recent at the top.

Working with History Entries

• Tap an entry to load that expression back into the calculator.
• Long-press (or right-click on Mac) to copy the result or expression.
• Swipe left on an entry to delete it.
• Tap Clear All at the top to delete the entire history.

iCloud Sync

History syncs automatically across all your devices via iCloud when you're signed in with the same Apple ID. Changes appear on other devices within seconds.

Settings

Open Settings by tapping the gear icon (⚙) in the toolbar. On Mac, Settings are also available from the Fractions Calculator → Settings… menu.

iPhone & iPad Guide

Gestures

iPad Split View & Stage Manager

Fractions Calculator fully supports iPad multitasking. You can run it side-by-side with a notes or homework app to copy results directly. In Stage Manager, the app window is resizable and adjusts its layout to make the best use of the available space.

Dynamic Island & Live Activities

On iPhone 14 Pro and later, the current result can be pinned to the Dynamic Island so it's visible even when you switch to another app. Enable this in Settings → Dynamic Island.

Mac Guide

Menu Bar

All major functions are accessible from the menu bar:

• File → Export… — save your history as a CSV or PDF.
• Edit → Clear History — wipe all saved calculations.
• View → Show Steps Panel — toggle the step-by-step sidebar.
• Fractions Calculator → Settings… — open Settings.

Keyboard Shortcuts

See the full Keyboard Shortcuts reference below.

Copy & Paste

Results can be copied with ⌘C and pasted into any other application. The copied format matches the current display mode (mixed number or improper fraction).

Tips & Tricks

• Long-press the C (clear) button to reset the entire expression, or tap once to clear only the current entry.
• Double-tap any history entry to open the step-by-step solution for that calculation.
• Tap the result to instantly copy it to the clipboard.
• Use the Ans key to insert the previous result as the start of a new calculation — perfect for chaining multi-step problems.
• You can type fractions directly if you have a hardware keyboard connected to your iPhone or iPad.
• Swipe right from the left edge to go back if you accidentally navigate away from the main calculator.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Available on Mac and iPad with a connected keyboard: