The Fraction Matcher simulation from PhET is a fun game where you match pictures of shapes with fraction numbers to earn stars. You can pick any level, find equivalent fractions, and compare fractions using numbers and patterns. It is free, runs in any browser on a phone, tablet or laptop, and it is a great fit for the fractions lessons in Tamil Nadu State Board (Samacheer Kalvi) Maths.
What is the Fraction Matcher simulation?
This interactive game lets you match shapes and numbers to earn stars. You can choose any difficulty level and try to collect as many stars as you can. Because it runs on HTML5, there is nothing to install, and it works on phones, tablets, Chromebooks and computers.
Early elementary to middle school
Fractions, equivalent fractions, mixed numbers
Phone, tablet, Chromebook, PC
English
PhET’s learning goals are to find matching fractions using numbers and pictures, to make the same fraction using different numbers, to match fractions across different picture patterns, and to compare fractions using numbers and patterns.
Launch the Fraction Matcher simulation online
Tap or click inside the player and start playing. Use the full-screen button in the player for a bigger view.
Credit: University of Colorado Boulder
How to use the Fraction Matcher simulation, step by step
- Pick a level. Start with an easy level and move up when you feel ready.
- Look at the picture. Count the equal parts in the whole and the parts that are shaded.
- Match it to a number. Find the fraction that tells how much of the shape is shaded.
- Try different patterns. Match the same fraction shown with different shapes or different numbers.
- Collect stars. Keep matching to earn as many stars as you can, then try a harder level.
Tip for students: first count all the equal parts, then count the shaded parts. The fraction is shaded over total.
The idea behind the simulation: equivalent fractions
a ÷ b = (a × n) ÷ (b × n)
A fraction a/b has a numerator a (the parts you have) and a denominator b (the equal parts in the whole). If you multiply or divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number n, you get an equivalent fraction. It looks different, but it is the same amount. To compare two fractions, you can change them to the same denominator or turn them into decimals.
Worked example: 2/4 and 1/2 are equivalent, because dividing 2 and 4 by 2 gives 1/2. As decimals both are 0.5. Compare 3/4 with 2/3: 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75 and 2 ÷ 3 ≈ 0.67, so 3/4 is bigger.
Fraction key terms explained
These are the words you will meet while using the Fraction Matcher simulation, with simple meanings.
Fraction
A number that shows part of a whole, written as one number over another.
Numerator
The top number. It tells how many parts you have.
Denominator
The bottom number. It tells how many equal parts make the whole.
Equivalent fractions
Different fractions that show the same amount, such as 1/2 and 2/4.
Proper fraction
A fraction smaller than 1, where the numerator is less than the denominator.
Improper fraction
A fraction that is 1 or more, where the numerator is at least the denominator.
Mixed number
A whole number and a fraction together, such as 1 1/2.
Simplest form
A fraction that cannot be reduced any further.
Common mistakes: Counting the shaded parts but not the total parts, thinking a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction, and adding the same number to the top and bottom instead of multiplying both.
Try the fraction calculator (practice what you explore)
Enter two fractions to see their simplest form, decimal value and which one is bigger. Then tap a “what if” button.
What happens when you change a fraction
| Change | Effect |
|---|---|
| Multiply top and bottom by the same number | The value stays the same |
| Divide top and bottom by the same number | The value stays the same |
| Increase the numerator only | The fraction gets bigger |
| Increase the denominator only | The fraction gets smaller |
| Numerator bigger than the denominator | The fraction is more than 1 |
Classroom activities for teachers
The Fraction Matcher simulation fits a single 40-minute period.
- Predict and test (10 min): students say which shape matches a fraction before they drag it.
- Equivalent pairs (10 min): students find three different fractions for one shape and write them down.
- Compare and order (10 min): students order fractions from smallest to largest using the shapes.
- Exit ticket (10 min): students explain in two sentences why 2/4 and 1/2 are the same.
Looking for the matching chapters? Browse the Maths books on TN SchoolBooks and download the Samacheer Kalvi PDFs, then use this game to make the fractions lessons visual. More free simulations and textbook PDFs are on the home page.
Quick quiz: test your understanding of fractions
Score: 0 / 5
Fraction Matcher simulation: frequently asked questions
Is the Fraction Matcher simulation free?
Yes. PhET simulations are free to run online in a browser. Check PhET’s licensing page for reuse terms.
Does it work on a mobile phone?
Yes. It is built with HTML5 and works on phones, tablets and Chromebooks. Use landscape mode or the player’s full-screen button for a bigger view.
What are equivalent fractions?
Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, such as 1/2, 2/4 and 3/6. You get them by multiplying or dividing the top and bottom by the same number.
Which grade is the Fraction Matcher simulation for?
PhET lists it for early elementary students and above, and it lines up with the fractions standards for grades 1 to 3. Older students can use it to revise.
The Fraction Matcher simulation turns fractions into a game you can play, match and see. Explore it, take the quiz above, and keep playing until finding equivalent fractions feels easy.