Fraction Visualizer
Build any fraction as a circle or bar, click the pieces to shade them, and see equivalent fractions, comparisons and addition or subtraction drawn step by step. Great for teaching and homework.
Tip: click a piece to shade up to it, click the last shaded piece again to unshade it.
How to use the Fraction Visualizer
- Enter a numerator and denominator, or use the + and − buttons.
- Click pieces of the circle or bar to shade or unshade them.
- Press Simplify to reduce the fraction and see the common factor.
- Switch tabs to see equivalent fractions, compare two fractions, or add and subtract.
- Download the SVG to use the picture on a worksheet or slide.
Reading fraction circles and bars
The denominator (bottom number) tells you how many equal parts the whole is cut into, and the numerator (top number) tells you how many of those parts are shaded. In 3/4, the whole is cut into 4 equal parts and 3 are shaded.
Fraction circles make it easy to see a part of one whole, like slices of a pizza. Fraction bars (fraction strips) line up neatly, so they are better for comparing and adding fractions. Improper fractions such as 7/4 need more than one whole: one full circle plus 3/4 of another, written as the mixed number 1 3/4.
Fraction, decimal and percent equivalents
| Fraction | Equivalent fractions | Decimal | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, 5/10 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 2/6, 3/9, 4/12 | 0.333… | 33.33% |
| 2/3 | 4/6, 6/9, 8/12 | 0.666… | 66.67% |
| 1/4 | 2/8, 3/12, 4/16 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 3/4 | 6/8, 9/12, 12/16 | 0.75 | 75% |
| 1/5 | 2/10, 3/15, 4/20 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 1/6 | 2/12, 3/18 | 0.1666… | 16.67% |
| 1/8 | 2/16, 3/24 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 1/10 | 2/20, 10/100 | 0.1 | 10% |
Worked examples
- Simplify 6/8: the greatest common factor of 6 and 8 is 2. 6 ÷ 2 = 3 and 8 ÷ 2 = 4, so 6/8 = 3/4.
- Compare 3/5 and 2/3: the common denominator is 15. 3/5 = 9/15 and 2/3 = 10/15, so 3/5 < 2/3.
- Add 3/4 + 2/3: the common denominator is 12. 9/12 + 8/12 = 17/12 = 1 5/12.
- Subtract 3/4 − 1/6: the common denominator is 12. 9/12 − 2/12 = 7/12.
Classroom ideas
- Ask students to shade a fraction, then find another fraction that shades the same amount of the bar.
- Use the compare tab to predict which fraction is bigger before revealing the bars.
- Show that adding fractions means adding pieces of the same size, which is why denominators must match first.
- Download the SVG pictures to build worksheets or slides.
Frequently asked questions
What are fraction circles and fraction bars?
They are visual models, also called manipulatives. A circle or bar is cut into equal parts (the denominator) and some parts are shaded (the numerator). They help students see what a fraction means and how fractions relate.
How do you simplify a fraction?
Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). For 6/8 the GCF is 2, so 6/8 = 3/4. A fraction is in simplest form when the only common factor is 1.
How do you find equivalent fractions?
Multiply (or divide) the numerator and denominator by the same number. 2/3 = 4/6 = 6/9 = 8/12. On fraction bars, equivalent fractions shade exactly the same length.
How do you compare two fractions?
Rewrite them with a common denominator, or cross multiply. To compare 3/5 and 2/3, cross multiply: 3 × 3 = 9 and 2 × 5 = 10. Since 9 < 10, 3/5 < 2/3.
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
Find the least common denominator (LCD), convert both fractions, then add the numerators. 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
What is an improper fraction?
A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator, like 7/4. It is more than one whole and can be written as a mixed number: 7/4 = 1 3/4.