How to Simplify a Ratio
To simplify a ratio, divide both numbers by their greatest common
factor. For example, a ratio of 10:15 can be simplified to 2:3 because
both numbers can be divided by 5.
Ratio Formula
A ratio compares two quantities and is commonly written in the form
a:b. The first number represents one quantity and the second number
represents the quantity being compared with it.
For example, if a classroom has 20 boys and 30 girls, the ratio of boys
to girls is 20:30. Dividing both numbers by 10 gives the simplified
ratio of 2:3.
Equivalent Ratios
Equivalent ratios describe the same relationship between quantities.
You can create an equivalent ratio by multiplying or dividing both
parts by the same non-zero number.
For example, 2:3, 4:6 and 6:9 are equivalent ratios because they all
represent the same relationship.
Ratio, Decimal and Percentage
A ratio can also be expressed as a decimal or percentage when comparing
the first quantity with the second. This calculator displays the
decimal relationship and the first number's percentage of the second
number when the second number is not zero.
Common Uses of Ratios
Ratios are commonly used in mathematics, recipes, maps, scale
drawings, measurements, statistics, business and everyday comparisons.
They help describe how one quantity relates to another.
Ratio Calculator FAQs
What does a ratio such as 2:3 mean?
A ratio of 2:3 means that for every 2 units of the first quantity,
there are 3 units of the second quantity.
How do I simplify a ratio?
Divide both numbers by their greatest common factor. For example,
12:18 becomes 2:3 after dividing both numbers by 6.
Can the Ratio Calculator handle zero?
Yes. One number can be zero, but both numbers cannot be zero. The
calculator also prevents division by zero when calculating the decimal
and percentage relationship.
Can I enter decimal numbers?
The calculator accepts numeric input, including decimal values. For
ratios involving decimals, the simplified result may also contain
decimal values depending on the numbers entered.
Use the free Ratio Calculator above to simplify ratios and quickly
compare two quantities.