Lowest Terms Calculator

Calculate Lowest Terms

Input Type

Display Option

Prefer mixed number display in results

Quick Help

Enter one fraction, decimal, or ratio. Then simplify instantly.

Whole Part

Numerator

Denominator

Plotly Graph

This graph compares original values with simplified values after dividing by the greatest common divisor.

Example Data Table

Original Input	GCD	Simplified Form	Mixed Number	Decimal
24/36	12	2/3	2/3	0.66666667
42/56	14	3/4	3/4	0.75000000
1 18/24	6	7/4	1 3/4	1.75000000
18:30	6	3/5	3/5	0.60000000
0.625	125	5/8	5/8	0.62500000

Formula Used

Lowest terms rule: Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor.

Formula: Simplified fraction = (a ÷ gcd(a,b)) / (b ÷ gcd(a,b))

Greatest common divisor: The largest positive integer that divides both numbers exactly.

Mixed number conversion: Whole part = numerator ÷ denominator, remainder = numerator mod denominator.

How to Use This Calculator

Select the input type: fraction, decimal, or ratio.
Enter the required values in the visible fields.
Click Simplify Now to reduce the value.
Review the simplest fraction, mixed number, decimal, and ratio form.
Check the reduction steps and factor breakdown for verification.
Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save your result.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does lowest terms mean?

Lowest terms means a fraction has been reduced as far as possible. The numerator and denominator share no common factor greater than one.

2. How does the calculator simplify a fraction?

It finds the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator. Then it divides both values by that divisor to create the simplest equivalent fraction.

3. Can I enter mixed numbers?

Yes. Enter the whole part, numerator, and denominator. The calculator first converts the mixed number into an improper fraction, then reduces it.

4. Can this tool simplify ratios too?

Yes. Ratios are simplified using the same greatest common divisor method. Both sides are divided by the same value to keep the relationship equivalent.

5. What if I start with a decimal?

The calculator converts the decimal into a fraction based on place value. After that, it reduces the fraction into lowest terms automatically.

6. Why is the denominator never left negative?

Standard fraction formatting keeps the denominator positive. If a negative sign exists, the calculator moves it to the numerator after simplification.

7. What happens if the numerator is zero?

Any valid fraction with numerator zero simplifies to 0/1 in this tool. That makes the result clean, consistent, and easy to compare.

8. Why are prime factors shown?

Prime factors help you understand why a fraction reduces. They show the shared building blocks inside both numbers and make checking easier.