Fraction worksheet generator

How to use the fraction worksheet generator

Pick a Skill, then Denominators. The picture skills draw fraction bars and circles split into equal parts: Name the shaded fraction shows a shaded model and asks for the fraction, and Shade the fraction gives the fraction and an empty model to color in (the key shades it in red). Compare puts a circle between two fractions for <, > or =; turn on Show fraction strips to draw a strip for each fraction, the same length, so children can check by eye.

The number skills write fractions stacked, the way they look in a textbook. Equivalent fractions hides one numerator or denominator (2/3 = ?/12), half scaling up and half down. Add and Subtract use like denominators unless you turn on Unlike denominators; Allow answers greater than 1 brings in mixed-number answers. Multiply and Divide can use a fraction and a whole number (the grade 4 and 5 standards) or two fractions (grade 5 and 6). Mixed review combines several skills with a heading and directions for each part.

What makes a good fraction worksheet

• Pictures before procedures. Children who can see that 3/4 is three of four equal parts make far fewer mistakes with the rules later.
• Grade-appropriate denominators. Thirds and fourths for little ones; twelfths can wait.
• Simplest form, shown honestly. The key shows both the raw result and its simplest form so children can see which step went wrong.
• Numbers you can do by hand. Unlike-denominator problems keep the common denominator small.

Skill progression by grade

• 1st–2nd grade: split shapes into halves, thirds and fourths. Try 2nd grade fractions.
• 3rd grade: fractions as numbers, simple equivalence, comparing same-numerator or same-denominator fractions, with denominators 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8. Try 3rd grade fractions.
• 4th grade: equivalence and comparing any fractions, adding and subtracting like denominators (with mixed numbers), multiplying a fraction by a whole number. Try 4th grade fractions and equivalent fractions.
• 5th grade: adding and subtracting unlike denominators, multiplying fractions, dividing unit fractions by whole numbers. Try 5th grade fractions and multiplying fractions.
• 6th grade: dividing fractions by fractions. Try dividing fractions.

Printing tips

Shaded parts print in light gray so children can write over them, and empty models are outlined in black for coloring. If your printer is light, the bars and circles still read clearly. Answer keys print on their own pages after the problems.

When worksheets aren't enough

Fractions are where many children first find math confusing. If your child is memorizing rules without understanding, a program built around models helps: Beast Academy, Singapore Math and Math Mammoth all teach fractions visually. See the best elementary math curriculum to compare, or online math tutoring for one-on-one help. Many state education savings accounts and scholarships can be used for curriculum and tutoring; each program sets its own rules.