About ratio calculator
A ratio compares quantities. Simplifying it to lowest terms makes it easier to read and use.
How to simplify
Divide all the terms by their greatest common divisor. 24:36 divides by 12 to give 2:3.
Where ratios help
- Mixing quantities in recipes, paints or fertiliser.
- Splitting money or shares in proportion.
- Scaling drawings and maps.
A worked example
The ratio 45 : 60 : 75 has a greatest common divisor of 15, so it simplifies to 3 : 4 : 5. To split ₹12,000 between two partners in the ratio 2 : 3, divide by 5 and multiply: ₹4,800 and ₹7,200.
Scaling a recipe or mix
- A 1 : 4 mix of cement and sand for 10 buckets uses 2 and 8 buckets.
- Keep the same ratio when changing quantity.
- Use the same measuring container for every part.
