Ratio Calculator
Simplify ratios, find equivalent ratios, and solve ratio problems instantly. Perfect for mathematics, cooking, mixing solutions, and scaling recipes.
Ratio Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
Enter two numbers representing a ratio (e.g., 12:18). The calculator will simplify the ratio to its lowest terms by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) and dividing both numbers by it.
What is a Ratio?
A ratio is a comparison between two quantities showing how many times one value contains another. Ratios are written as a:b or a/b. For example, if you have 3 apples and 2 oranges, the ratio of apples to oranges is 3:2.
Simplifying Ratios
To simplify a ratio, divide both numbers by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 12:18 simplifies to 2:3 because both 12 and 18 are divisible by 6. Simplified ratios are easier to understand and compare.
Common Applications
Ratios are used in cooking (recipe scaling), construction (mixing concrete), finance (profit ratios), map reading (scale ratios), chemistry (solution concentrations), and art (aspect ratios). They help maintain proportions when scaling quantities.
Equivalent Ratios
Equivalent ratios represent the same relationship. For example, 1:2, 2:4, 3:6, and 50:100 are all equivalent because they all simplify to 1:2. You can create equivalent ratios by multiplying or dividing both numbers by the same value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can ratios have decimals? A: Yes, but they’re often converted to whole numbers. Q: What’s the difference between ratio and fraction? A: A ratio compares quantities; a fraction represents a part of a whole. Q: How do I compare ratios? A: Simplify both or convert to decimals.