The whole strip = 1
Every strip represents one whole. Four fourths together make 4/4 = 1.
Grade 3-5 · Common Core 3.NF.A.1 · 3.NF.A.3
Fraction Strips
Visual bars that show exactly how big a fraction is. Drag strips onto the board to compare fractions, find equivalents, and see why 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 with your own eyes.
Grade 3-5Common Core 3.NF.A.1InteractivePrintableNo loginFree
Concept
What are fraction strips?
Fraction strips, also called fraction bars, are equal-length rectangles divided into equal parts. Each strip represents one whole, cut into a different number of pieces. Because all strips are the same length, you can line them up to compare fractions directly.
1 whole
1/2
1/4
1/8
All strips are the same length = one whole. Smaller pieces have larger denominators.
Tool
Interactive Fraction Strips
Drag strips on the board. Double-click a strip to choose how many pieces are shaded.
Strip palette
Activities
Try these activities
Step-by-step tasks that use the tool above to discover fraction rules.
EasyFind Equivalent Fractions
Goal: Discover which fractions are equal to 1/2.
- Click Try it to load the strips onto the board.
- Line up the left edges and adjust shaded pieces if needed.
- Read the symbol the tool shows between aligned strips.
You discovered: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8. These are called equivalent fractions. Learn more.
EasyCompare Same Denominator
Goal: See why 3/8 > 2/8 by looking.
- Click Try it to load the strips onto the board.
- Line up the left edges and adjust shaded pieces if needed.
- Read the symbol the tool shows between aligned strips.
You discovered: 3/8 > 2/8. Same denominator means same piece size. Learn more.
MediumCompare Different Denominators
Goal: Which is bigger, 2/3 or 3/4?
- Click Try it to load the strips onto the board.
- Line up the left edges and adjust shaded pieces if needed.
- Read the symbol the tool shows between aligned strips.
You discovered: 3/4 > 2/3. Line up the left edges before comparing. Learn more.
MediumBuild a Mixed Number
Goal: Show 1 3/4 using fraction strips.
- Click Try it to load the strips onto the board.
- Line up the left edges and adjust shaded pieces if needed.
- Read the symbol the tool shows between aligned strips.
You discovered: 1 whole + 3/4 = 1 3/4. A mixed number is a whole plus a fraction. Learn more.
Read strips
How to read a fraction strip
Bigger denominator = smaller pieces
Each 1/8 piece is exactly half the size of each 1/4 piece.
Line up left edges
The fraction whose shaded part reaches further right is larger.
Printable
Printable fraction strips chart
Print, cut, and use in class or at home.
Fraction Strips Chart - mixednumbercalculator.org
1 whole
1/2
1/3
1/4
1/5
1/6
1/8
1/10
1/12
Cut along the lines to make physical fraction strip manipulatives.
Practice
Quick check
Which is larger: 3/4 or 5/8?
How many 1/6 pieces equal 1/2?
A strip is divided into 10 equal parts. 7 parts are shaded. Write the fraction.
Related
More fraction tools
Equivalent Fractions
Generate the full equivalent family for any fraction with visual bars.
Fractions on a Number Line
See where fractions sit on a number line, another visual approach.
Compare Fractions
Four methods to compare fractions, including the visual strip method.
Simplify Fractions
Reduce fractions to lowest terms, the math behind what strips show.
Mixed Number Calculator
Calculate with mixed numbers, like building one whole plus a fraction.
Fraction Calculator
Add and subtract fractions with full step-by-step work.