⚖️ Ratio Calculator

Calculate, simplify, and solve ratios and proportions

Simplify Ratio to Lowest Terms

:

Common Ratio Examples

Recipe Scaling (2:3)
Scale recipe ingredients proportionally
Screen Aspect Ratio (16:9)
Common widescreen display ratio
Golden Ratio (1.618:1)
Mathematical golden proportion
Paint Mixing (5:2:1)
Color mixing ratios

⚖️ Complete Guide to Using a Ratio Calculator

Master ratio calculations with our comprehensive guide

A ratio calculator is an essential tool for simplifying ratios, solving proportions, and comparing quantities. Whether you're working on math homework, cooking recipes, mixing solutions, or scaling designs, our online ratio calculator provides instant, accurate calculations right in your browser.

🎯 What is a Ratio Calculator?

A ratio calculator is a tool that performs various ratio-related calculations. It can simplify ratios to their lowest terms, solve proportions to find missing values, and compare quantities in different formats. This eliminates manual calculations and ensures accuracy in ratio problems.

💡 Why Use an Online Ratio Calculator?

Our online ratio calculator offers several advantages: instant ratio simplification, solves proportions automatically, handles multiple ratio formats, works on all devices, and requires no installation. Perfect for students, cooks, designers, and anyone working with proportions!

🏃 Common Uses for a Ratio Calculator

📚
Math Homework
Simplify ratios and solve proportion problems. Complete assignments with accurate calculations.
🍳
Cooking & Recipes
Scale recipes up or down. Maintain ingredient proportions when adjusting serving sizes.
🎨
Design & Art
Maintain aspect ratios for images and designs. Scale dimensions proportionally.
🔬
Science & Lab Work
Mix solutions in correct proportions. Calculate chemical ratios and concentrations.
🏗️
Construction & DIY
Mix concrete, paint, or other materials. Maintain proper ratios for building projects.
💰
Finance & Business
Calculate financial ratios and proportions. Analyze business metrics and comparisons.

📖 How to Use Our Ratio Calculator

Our calculator offers multiple calculation modes:

Simplify Ratio

  1. Enter the first number (A)
  2. Enter the second number (B)
  3. See the simplified ratio instantly
  4. Example: 12:8 simplifies to 3:2

Solve Proportion

  1. Enter three known values (A, B, C)
  2. Leave one value empty (the unknown)
  3. See the missing value calculated
  4. Example: If 5:2 = 10:?, then ? = 4
📝 Example: Recipe Scaling

Scenario: A recipe for 4 servings uses 2 cups of flour. How much for 10 servings?

Solution: Set up proportion: 4:2 = 10:?. Answer: 5 cups of flour!

⚡ Pro Tips for Ratio Calculations

1
Simplify First
Always reduce ratios to simplest form. 12:8 = 3:2 is easier to work with and understand.
2
Common Ratios
Memorize common ones: 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (standard), 1:1 (square), 3:2 (photography).
3
Cross Multiply
To solve proportions: A:B = C:D means A×D = B×C. Use this to check your work!
4
Unit Consistency
Keep units the same in ratios. Don't mix cups and tablespoons, or inches and feet.

🔑 Key Features

  • Ratio Simplification: Reduce ratios to lowest terms automatically.
  • Proportion Solver: Find missing values in proportions.
  • Instant Results: Calculations appear immediately.
  • Quick Examples: One-click example buttons for common calculations.
  • Tabbed Interface: Easy switching between calculation types.
  • GCD Calculation: Uses greatest common divisor for accuracy.
  • Mobile Friendly: Works perfectly on all devices.
  • No Installation: Works directly in your browser.
  • Always Free: No subscriptions or hidden fees.
  • Educational: Learn ratio and proportion concepts.

💪 Benefits of Using a Ratio Calculator

Having a reliable ratio calculator offers numerous advantages:

🎯 Eliminate Calculation Errors

Manual ratio calculations require finding GCD and solving equations. Our calculator ensures accuracy every time, helping you complete homework, recipes, and projects correctly.

  • Save Time: Instant calculations instead of manual work.
  • Academic Success: Complete math homework accurately.
  • Cooking Precision: Scale recipes perfectly.
  • Professional Tool: Suitable for design and construction.
  • Learn Math: Understand ratio relationships.
  • Always Available: Access from any device.
  • Avoid Mistakes: Automatic simplification prevents errors.

🎓 Understanding Ratios and Proportions

What is a Ratio?

A ratio is a comparison of two quantities. It shows how many times one value contains another. Ratios can be written as 3:2, 3/2, or "3 to 2".

What is a Proportion?

A proportion is an equation stating that two ratios are equal. For example: 3:2 = 6:4. Both ratios simplify to the same value.

How to Simplify a Ratio

  1. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers
  2. Divide both numbers by the GCD
  3. Example: 12:8 → GCD is 4 → 12÷4 : 8÷4 = 3:2

How to Solve a Proportion

  1. Set up the equation: A:B = C:D
  2. Cross multiply: A × D = B × C
  3. Solve for the unknown value
  4. Example: 5:2 = 10:? → 5×? = 2×10 → ? = 4

Common Ratio Applications

  • Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (standard TV)
  • Mixing Ratios: 2:1 (concrete mix), 3:1 (paint dilution)
  • Scale Models: 1:100 (architecture), 1:24 (model cars)
  • Financial Ratios: Debt-to-equity, price-to-earnings
  • Gear Ratios: 3:1 (bicycle gears)
🎨 Real-World Example: Image Scaling

Situation: You have a 1600×900 image. What height maintains the ratio at 800 width?

Solution: 1600:900 = 800:?. Simplify 1600:900 to 16:9. Then 800÷16×9 = 450 pixels!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I simplify a ratio?
Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers and divide both by it. Example: 12:8 → GCD is 4 → 3:2. Our calculator does this automatically!
How do I solve a proportion?
Use cross multiplication. If A:B = C:D, then A×D = B×C. Solve for the unknown. Example: 5:2 = 10:? → 5×? = 20 → ? = 4.
What's the difference between a ratio and a fraction?
A ratio compares two quantities (3:2), while a fraction represents part of a whole (3/5). Ratios can be written as fractions but have different meanings.
Can ratios have more than two numbers?
Yes! Ratios can compare three or more quantities. Example: 2:3:5 (red:blue:yellow paint). Each part is compared to the others.
How do I scale a recipe using ratios?
Set up a proportion: original servings : original ingredient = new servings : new ingredient. Solve for the new ingredient amount.
What is an aspect ratio?
An aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between width and height. Common ones: 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (standard), 1:1 (square).
How do I convert a ratio to a percentage?
Divide the first number by the sum of both numbers, then multiply by 100. Example: 3:2 → 3÷(3+2) = 0.6 = 60%.
Will this work on my phone?
Yes! The ratio calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. All features are available on mobile devices.
What's the golden ratio?
The golden ratio is approximately 1.618:1 or 1:0.618. It's found in nature, art, and architecture and is considered aesthetically pleasing.
How accurate are the calculations?
Our calculations use the Euclidean algorithm for GCD and are mathematically exact. Results are accurate for all ratio and proportion problems.

🚀 Getting Started

Ready to calculate ratios? Scroll back up and choose your calculation type! Use the tabs to switch between simplifying ratios and solving proportions. Try the quick example buttons to see how the calculator works.

🎯 Quick Start Tips

  • Choose the right tab for your calculation type
  • Click example buttons to see sample calculations
  • Enter your numbers and see instant results
  • Use for homework, cooking, design, and more
  • Ratios are automatically simplified

📊 Conclusion

A ratio calculator is an indispensable tool for students, cooks, designers, and anyone working with proportions. Our free online calculator eliminates the complexity of manual ratio calculations, providing instant, accurate results for all your ratio and proportion needs.

Whether you're completing math homework, scaling recipes, maintaining design proportions, or mixing solutions, our ratio calculator provides the accuracy and ease of use you need to work confidently with ratios and proportions.

Start calculating ratios now and never struggle with proportion problems again!