Guide

How to Divide Fractions

Dividing fractions has a famous shortcut: keep, change, flip — then multiply.

To divide by a fraction, you multiply by its reciprocal (its flip). The popular memory aid is 'keep, change, flip': keep the first fraction, change division to multiplication, and flip the second fraction.

Open the Divide Fractions Calculator →

Step by step

1
Keep the first fraction
Leave the first fraction as it is. For 1/2 ÷ 1/4, keep 1/2.
2
Change the sign
Change the division sign to multiplication.
3
Flip the second fraction
Replace the second fraction with its reciprocal: 1/4 becomes 4/1.
4
Multiply and simplify
1/2 x 4/1 = 4/2 = 2.

Worked example

Divide 1/2 ÷ 1/4. Keep 1/2, change to multiply, flip 1/4 to 4/1. Then 1/2 x 4/1 = 4/2 = 2.

Common mistakes to avoid

Flipping the first fraction instead of the second.
Forgetting to change division to multiplication.
Not simplifying the final answer.

Practice this skill

Try it yourself on the Divide Fractions Calculator, generate a printable worksheet, or work through it one step at a time in guided practice.

Frequently asked

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

The reciprocal is the fraction flipped upside down. The reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

Why does 'keep, change, flip' work?

Dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal — flipping the second fraction turns the division into an equivalent multiplication.

How do you divide a fraction by a whole number?

Write the whole number as a fraction over 1, then keep-change-flip. For example 1/2 ÷ 3 = 1/2 x 1/3 = 1/6.