Guide
Types of Fractions Explained
Fractions come in a few named varieties, and knowing the names makes everything else easier to follow.
Fractions come in a few named varieties, and knowing the names makes everything else easier to follow.
Proper fractions
A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than its denominator, so its value is less than one. Examples: 1/2, 3/4, 5/8.
Improper fractions
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than or equal to its denominator, so its value is one or more. Examples: 7/3, 5/5, 9/4.
Mixed numbers
A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction, such as 2 1/3. Every improper fraction can be written as a mixed number and vice versa.
Unit fractions
A unit fraction has a numerator of 1, such as 1/2, 1/3 or 1/8. They represent a single equal part of a whole.
Like and unlike fractions
Like fractions share the same denominator (1/5 and 3/5). Unlike fractions have different denominators (1/3 and 1/4). You need a common denominator to add or subtract unlike fractions.
Equivalent fractions
Equivalent fractions look different but have the same value, such as 1/2, 2/4 and 3/6. You make them by multiplying or dividing the top and bottom by the same number.
Related tools & guides
Frequently asked
What are the main types of fractions?
The main types are proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, unit fractions, and like vs unlike fractions.
What is the difference between a proper and improper fraction?
A proper fraction is less than one (numerator smaller than denominator); an improper fraction is one or more (numerator greater than or equal to the denominator).
What is a unit fraction?
A unit fraction is any fraction with 1 as the numerator, such as 1/4 or 1/10.