Ratio Calculator
Simplify ratios and solve proportions instantly. Find missing values in proportional relationships with ease.
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How It Works
This calculator provides two modes:
- Simplify Ratio — Divides both parts of the ratio by their greatest common divisor (GCD) to reduce it to its simplest form.
- Solve Proportion — Uses cross-multiplication to find a missing value in the equation a:b = c:d. Enter any three values and leave one blank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you simplify a ratio?
Divide both numbers in the ratio by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 12:8 simplified is 3:2 because the GCD of 12 and 8 is 4.
How do you solve a proportion?
Use cross-multiplication. In the proportion a:b = c:d, if one value is unknown, multiply the two known values diagonally and divide by the remaining known value. For example, 2:3 = 4:? gives ? = (3 × 4) / 2 = 6.
What is the difference between a ratio and a fraction?
A ratio compares two quantities (e.g., 3:2 means "3 for every 2"), while a fraction represents a part of a whole (e.g., 3/5 means "3 out of 5"). They are related but used in different contexts.