∿Mixed Number Lab

Mixed number subtraction tool

Subtracting Mixed Numbers Calculator

Subtract mixed numbers instantly with full step-by-step work - including borrowing when needed. Free, mobile-friendly, and shareable.

FreeStep-by-stepGrade 4-6Instant answer

Updated

2026-03-20

Want the full method?

Open the complete guide

Calculator

Subtract mixed numbers - enter values and press Calculate

Operand A

Enter a whole part and a fraction.

Use +/- or drag a field sideways to adjust quickly.

Operand B

Enter a whole part and a fraction.

Use +/- or drag a field sideways to adjust quickly.

Choose an operator

Open history

History

Your last 10 calculations

Your solved problems appear here for one-tap reload.

How it works

How the calculator works

The calculator shows the same core arithmetic students are expected to write, but in a shorter format focused on getting the answer and checking each step.

No borrowing needed

  1. 1

    Find the LCD and rename fractions

    frac78 - frac38

    Same denominator, so the LCD step is already done.

  2. 2

    Subtract whole numbers and fractions

    5 - 2 = 3,quad frac78 - frac38 = frac48
  3. 3

    Simplify

    3frac48 = 3frac12

Borrowing needed

  1. 1

    Check whether the top fraction is large enough

    frac14 < frac34
  2. 2

    Borrow 1 from the whole number

    3frac14 rightarrow 2 + frac44 + frac14 = 2frac54
  3. 3

    Subtract

    2 - 1 = 1,quad frac54 - frac34 = frac24
  4. 4

    Simplify

    1frac24 = 1frac12
See the full subtracting mixed numbers guide with 3 methods and 10+ examples

Examples

Worked examples

Example 1

5 7/8 - 2 3/8

Simple: same denominator, no borrowing

Answer: 3 1/2

  1. 1.Subtract wholes: 5 - 2 = 3.
  2. 2.Subtract fractions: 7/8 - 3/8 = 4/8.
  3. 3.Simplify 3 4/8 to 3 1/2.

Try this in the calculator ↑

Example 2

3 1/4 - 1 3/4

Medium: same denominator with borrowing

Answer: 1 1/2

  1. 1.Borrow from 3 1/4 to make 2 5/4.
  2. 2.Subtract 2 5/4 - 1 3/4 = 1 2/4.
  3. 3.Simplify 1 2/4 to 1 1/2.

Try this in the calculator ↑

Example 3

4 1/3 - 2 3/4

Harder: unlike denominators and borrowing

Answer: 1 7/12

  1. 1.Use LCD 12: 4 4/12 - 2 9/12.
  2. 2.Borrow to make 3 16/12 - 2 9/12.
  3. 3.Subtract to get 1 7/12.

Try this in the calculator ↑

Tips

Common mistakes to avoid

Wrong: Subtracting immediately when the top fraction is smaller.

Right: Check first. If the top fraction is smaller, borrow before subtracting.

Wrong: Forgetting to reduce the whole number after borrowing.

Right: Borrowing takes 1 away from the whole number, so write the new whole number down.

Wrong: Changing the denominator when borrowing.

Right: The denominator stays the same. Only the numerator grows by the denominator value.

Related

Related tools and guides

How to Subtract Mixed Numbers (full guide)

See the complete borrowing and improper-fraction workflows.

Adding Mixed Numbers Calculator

Switch to the matching calculator for addition problems.

Fraction Calculator

A broader fraction calculator for pure fraction operations.

Mixed Number Calculator

Return to the full mixed number calculator hub.

Simplify Fractions

Reduce final answers to lowest terms after calculating.

Mixed Number to Improper Fraction

Review the conversion step used before most mixed number operations.