Compare Fractions Calculator

How it is calculated

The tool compares the fractions by cross multiplication, using exact whole-number arithmetic: A = n1 × d2 and B = n2 × d1. If A = B the fractions are equal (=); if A is larger it prints >, otherwise <. When exactly one denominator is negative the two products are flipped first, so the fraction with the negative denominator is treated as negative: 1/-4 is smaller than 1/3. All four boxes are plain numbers with no unit and must be whole numbers; a decimal such as 1.5, a zero denominator, an empty box or products beyond about 9 quadrillion show no result. The fractions are not simplified; the line shows them as you typed them.

Common mistakes

• Typing a mixed number such as 1 3/4 into one box. Convert it first: 1 3/4 becomes 7/4, so enter 7 and 4.
• Entering a decimal numerator like 1.5. Every box must be a whole number, so the tool shows no result; multiply top and bottom by 2 and enter 3/8 instead.
• Swapping numerator and denominator. 4/3 is larger than 1, while 3/4 is smaller than 1, and the verdict flips.
• Expecting 1/3 and 2/6 to come out different because the numbers differ. Equivalent fractions have the same value, so the result is =.
• Putting the minus sign on the wrong box. A negative sign on either the numerator or the denominator makes the fraction negative; if both are negative the fraction is positive again.