Ratio Calculator

Understanding and working with ratios is essential in many aspects of life, from cooking to construction. Our ratio calculator simplifies this process, allowing you to easily compare quantities, scale recipes, or solve proportional problems with just a few clicks.

Table of contents

Ratio Calculator

What is a Ratio?

A ratio is a comparison between two or more related quantities, typically expressed as a:b or a:b:c. For example, a recipe might call for a flour to sugar ratio of 2:1, meaning you need twice as much flour as sugar.

How to Use the Ratio Calculator

  1. Enter the original ratio in the first set of fields.
  2. If you want to scale the ratio, enter the new value for one part in the second set of fields.
  3. Click “Calculate” to see the results.

The calculator will display the simplified ratio and, if scaling, the new proportional values.

Calculation Method

Our ratio calculator performs these steps:

  1. Simplifies the original ratio by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD).
  2. If scaling, it determines the scale factor and applies it to all parts of the ratio.
  3. Rounds results to a specified number of decimal places for clarity.

Examples of Ratio Calculations

Example 1: Simplifying a Ratio

Original ratio: 24:36 Simplified ratio: 2:3

Example 2: Scaling a Ratio

Original ratio: 1:2:3 New value for first part: 5 Scaled ratio: 5:10:15

Applications of Ratios

Ratios are used in various fields:

  • Cooking: Adjusting recipe quantities
  • Finance: Comparing financial ratios
  • Construction: Mixing concrete or mortar
  • Art: Maintaining proportions in drawings
  • Chemistry: Balancing chemical equations

Tips for Working with Ratios

  1. Always simplify ratios when possible for easier comparisons.
  2. When scaling, maintain the original proportion to keep the ratio intact.
  3. Use consistent units when comparing ratios.
  4. Remember that order matters in ratios (2:1 is different from 1:2).
  • Concrete mix: 1:2:3 (cement:sand:gravel)
  • Classic martini: 6:1 (gin:vermouth)
  • Golden ratio in design: 1:1.618

Ready to solve your ratio problems? Use our ratio calculator now and get instant, accurate results for all your proportional needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a ratio and a fraction?

While both compare quantities, a ratio compares parts to parts (e.g., 3:4), while a fraction compares a part to a whole (e.g., 3/7).

Can ratios have decimal numbers?

Yes, ratios can include decimals, though it's often clearer to convert them to whole numbers (e.g., 1.5:2 can be written as 3:4).

How do I convert a percentage to a ratio?

To convert a percentage to a ratio, express it as a comparison to 100. For example, 25% becomes 25:100, which simplifies to 1:4.

What's an ideal ratio for different mixtures?

Ideal ratios vary by application. For example: