Free Fraction Strips

GradeA's free fraction strips are a great resource to use in the classroom, or at home.  Please feel free to download or print them.  Also, don't miss our lessons on how to use them to get your child or children to really understand the meaning of fractions.

What are Fraction Strips and what are they Used for?

Fraction strips are simply strips of paper that are sectioned off represent the "parts of a whole."  They can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be used as manipulatives for many fraction lessons.

Example:  A fraction strip of size 4

The most basic purpose of this fraction strip is to show the meaning of "one-fourth."  It can also be used in conjunction with another fraction strip to show that two-fourths = one-half.

The .pdf file above above has fraction strips in the following sizes:

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 16.  Terms & Conditions.

A series of useful activities can be found at this site.  Of course, you will not need to take the time to make the strips because you have GradeA's free download at your disposal.

Showing Equivalent and Non-equivalent Fractions

Have your students demonstrate 1/2 using all 10 different strips.  You can then explain the concept of lowest terms as having the least number of pieces in your strip.

Adding Fractions with Like and Unlike Denominators

First have the students use several copies of a fraction strip of the same size.  We can use eighth's for example.  Have the students fold and layer 2/8 and 3/8 on top of a strip that is showing 5/8. 

Once they understand like denominators, you'll have a great opportunity to expand on the topic of adding fractions.  You can easily demonstrate the 2/8 + 3/4 is not equal to 5/8 like we did in the previous example.

Be Creative - Nearly Every Fraction Lesson Can be Taught this Way

Submit a lesson that you created.

Learn all the rules of fractions or download fraction worksheets here.

Return from free fraction strips to other free math teaching tools.