Question 1

How do I simplify a ratio?

Accepted Answer

Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers and divide each by it. Example: 12:18 → GCD is 6 → divide both by 6 → simplified to 2:3. This calculator finds the GCD automatically and shows the simplified ratio.

Question 2

How do I check if two ratios are equivalent?

Accepted Answer

Convert both ratios to decimals by dividing first number by second. If decimals match, ratios are equivalent. Example: 3:4 = 0.75, 6:8 = 0.75 → equivalent. Or cross-multiply: if a×d = b×c, ratios are equivalent.

Question 3

How do I solve for X in a ratio?

Accepted Answer

For a:b = c:x, solve by cross-multiplication: a×x = b×c → x = b×c/a. Example: 3:4 = 9:x → x = 4×9/3 = 12. The calculator solves ratio equations automatically.

Question 4

How do I scale a ratio up or down?

Accepted Answer

Multiply both parts by the scale factor. For ratio 2:3 scaled by 4 → 8:12. First simplify the ratio, then scale. Use this calculator to find simplified and scaled versions automatically.

Question 5

What is the golden ratio?

Accepted Answer

Golden ratio is approximately 1:1.618 or φ. Found in nature, art, and architecture. Mathematically: a/b = (a+b)/a = 1.618. Useful in design, proportions, and aesthetic calculations.

Ratio Calculator

Common Ratios

Real-World Ratio Applications