How to Calculate Ratio
Enter two to eight quantities to simplify their ratio and see the percentage represented by each part. Decimal inputs are cleared before the common factor is applied.
Written and checked by TheToolNet Editorial Team · Last reviewed: September 20, 2026 · Editorial method
Divide every term by the same greatest common divisor to simplify.
Calculate and simplify a ratio
How to find a ratio
First make sure the quantities use the same unit. Then write them in the requested order. For 24 red items and 36 blue items, the ratio red:blue is 24:36. Their greatest common divisor is 12, so the simplified ratio is 2:3.
Order matters: 2:3 and 3:2 compare opposite directions. A part-to-part ratio is also different from a part-to-whole fraction; if red:blue is 2:3, red is 2/(2+3) = 2/5 of the total.
Ratios with decimals
Multiply every term by the same power of ten before simplifying. For 4.8:11.2, multiply both by 10 to get 48:112, then divide by 16 to obtain 3:7.
Frequently asked questions
What is an equivalent ratio?
Equivalent ratios preserve the same quotient. For example, 2:3, 4:6, and 10:15 are equivalent.
How do I turn a ratio into a fraction?
Use the ratio-to-fraction calculator and distinguish part-to-part from part-to-whole.
Can Excel simplify ratios?
Yes. The Excel ratio guide generates a GCD formula.