Math

Ratio Simplifier

Simplify any ratio to its lowest terms. Find equivalent ratios and see step-by-step explanations.

Enter Ratio

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Understanding Ratios

A ratio shows the relative size of two or more values. For example, a ratio of 3:5 means for every 3 of one thing, there are 5 of another.

How to Simplify a Ratio

  1. Find the GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) of both numbers
  2. Divide both numbers by the GCD
  3. The result is the ratio in its simplest form

Example: 15:25 → GCD(15,25) = 5 → 15÷5:25÷5 = 3:5

Real-World Applications

  • Recipes: Scaling ingredients up or down
  • Maps: Scale ratios (1:1000 means 1 unit = 1000 units)
  • Mixing: Creating solutions or mixtures
  • Aspect Ratios: TV screens (16:9), photos (4:3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if one number is negative?

Ratios can have negative values. The simplified ratio will maintain the negative sign in the correct position. For example, -6:9 simplifies to -2:3.

Can ratios have decimals?

Our calculator works with whole numbers. For decimal ratios, multiply both by 10 (or 100, etc.) to convert to whole numbers first, then simplify.

What's the difference between ratio and fraction?

A ratio compares two quantities (3:5), while a fraction represents a part of a whole (3/5 = 0.6). The decimal value is the same: 3:5 = 0.6.

What is a "unit ratio"?

A unit ratio has the second term equal to 1 (like 3:1). It shows how many of the first thing per one unit of the second thing.