Ratio Simplifier Calculator

Reduce ratios to simplest form with decimal and percent.

What it does

Ratios compare two quantities by division, and simplest form divides out their greatest common divisor. Twelve to sixteen reduces to three to four, the same relationship smaller numbers state cleaner.

The tool above takes both parts. It returns the simplest form with decimal and percent equivalents.

Cooking lives on ratios that scale: one part rice to two water doubles and halves without new math. Mixing paint, mortar, and feed all follow the same pattern.

Proportions set two ratios equal to solve missing parts. Cross multiplication turns a:b equals c:x into x equals b times c over a, which scales any recipe to any pan.

How to use

1. Enter both parts in matching units.
2. Read the simplest form for recipes and mixes.
3. Take decimal or percent for comparisons.
4. Scale by multiplying both parts equally.

Formula

GCD

Largest number splitting both parts.

a / b

Decimal value of the comparison.

Decimals in inputs scale first: 1.5:2.25 doubles to 3:4.5, then to 2:3 exactly.

Worked example

Reference table

Limits

• Second part cannot be zero.
• Tiny decimals round near whole ratios.
• Units must match for pure ratios.
• Rates with units need labels kept.

Common mistakes

• Adding across ratios instead of scaling.
• Stopping one step early at 6:8.
• Mixing units between the parts.
• Reading 1:3 as one third off instead of one part in four.
• Rounding before the final form.

Try it yourself

Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.

Questions

Sources

• Khan Academy: ratios
• Wolfram MathWorld: ratio

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