Step-by-step
- Identify the quantities you want to compare.
- Write the values in the same order as the comparison in your question.
- Check that both values use compatible units.
- Simplify the ratio by dividing each value by their greatest common divisor when applicable.
- Use the result to check the comparison or calculate an equivalent ratio.
How ratio simplification works
A ratio such as 12:8 can be simplified by dividing both numbers by 4, giving 3:2. Keep the order of the quantities intact because 3:2 and 2:3 describe different relationships.
Avoid mixing units
Convert values to compatible units before comparing them. For example, compare centimetres with centimetres rather than mixing centimetres and metres without conversion.
Worked examples
To simplify 12:18, divide both numbers by 6 to get 2:3.
To find the missing value in 3:4 = 9:x, multiply 9 by 4 and divide by 3, which gives x = 12.
To split 100 in the ratio 2:3, add the parts (5), divide 100 by 5 to get 20, then multiply: 40 and 60.
To scale 2:3 by 4, multiply both parts to get 8:12.
Finish the task with DevUtilityKits
Use the relevant online utility, check the result, and continue with your development workflow.
Open Ratio Calculator →