Ratio Calculator
Simplify a two-part ratio and scale it up or down for recipes, design sizes, classroom math, and planning.
Simplified ratio
2:3
Scaled first
6
Scaled second
9
A ratio compares two quantities, such as 16:24.
Simplifying divides both sides by the same common factor, such as 16:24 becoming 2:3.
Use comparable units
Convert units first if the two values are not already comparable.
Use positive values
Most real-world ratios are easiest to read with positive quantities.
Example
16:24 simplifies to 2:3, and scaling by 3 gives 6:9.
Assumption
Both values represent comparable quantities.
Limitation
It does not solve algebraic proportions or multi-part ratio systems.
Recipes
Scale ingredient proportions.
Design
Compare layout dimensions.
Classwork
Check ratio simplification.
Planning
Scale resources or allocations.
How do you simplify a ratio?
Convert the values into comparable numbers and divide both sides by their greatest common divisor.
Can I use decimals?
Yes. Decimal inputs are converted into comparable integers before simplifying.
What does scale factor do?
It multiplies both simplified ratio parts by the same value to create an equivalent ratio.
Does this solve multi-part ratios?
No. This lightweight calculator focuses on two-part ratios.
Suggested workflow
Ratio math workflow
Simplify ratios, check GCD, then convert units when quantities differ.