Ratio Calculator

A ratio compares two quantities. Simplifying divides both sides by their greatest common divisor; scaling keeps the same proportion with different numbers.

  • Last updated
  • Formula tested against reference values

Your numbers

Result

Simplest form
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Calculating…

Matching second term
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As 1 : n
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A ÷ B
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How to use this calculator

  1. Enter or choose first term (A).
  2. Enter or choose second term (B).
  3. Enter or choose scale A to (optional).
  4. The simplest form updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.

Formula

AB=CD⇒D=B×CA

A : B = C : D, so D = B × C ÷ A

A, B
the original ratio
C
the new first term
D
the missing second term

Worked example

  1. The greatest common divisor of 4 and 6 is 2, so 4 : 6 = 2 : 3.
  2. To scale to 10 : D, D = 6 × 10 ÷ 4 = 15.

4 : 6 simplifies to 2 : 3, and is the same proportion as 10 : 15.

What the result means

Decimal ratios are converted to whole numbers first, so 1.5 : 2.5 simplifies to 3 : 5. Use scaling for recipes, map scales and screen aspect ratios.

Assumptions and limits

  • Both terms are positive.
  • Three-part ratios (A : B : C) are not supported in this version.

Questions

How do I simplify a ratio?

Divide both numbers by their greatest common divisor. 18 : 24 → divide by 6 → 3 : 4.

How do I split an amount in a ratio?

Add the parts (2 : 3 has 5 parts), divide the amount by the total, then multiply by each part. 100 in 2 : 3 is 40 and 60.