Ratio Calculator

Simplify ratios and convert them to decimal or percentage form.

Simplified Ratio = A/GCD : B/GCD; Decimal = A/B; Percentage = (A/B) x 100
12:16 -> GCD = 4 -> Simplified = 3:4, Decimal = 0.75, Percentage = 75%

How do you simplify a ratio?

Divide both numbers by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). Example: 12:16 -> GCD = 4 → 12/4 : 16/4 = 3:4. Like simplifying fractions. Common ratios: 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (old TV), 3:2 (photography), 1:1 (square). Ratios show relationship between quantities - 3:4 means "for every 3 of first, there are 4 of second."

What is the difference between a ratio and a fraction?

Ratios compare two separate quantities (3:4 = "3 to 4"), fractions are parts of a whole (3/4 = "three-quarters"). But they're mathematically equivalent: 3:4 = 3/4 = 0.75 = 75%. Example: Recipe ratio 2:3 (flour to sugar) means 2 cups flour for every 3 cups sugar. As fraction: flour is 2/5 of mixture, sugar is 3/5.

How do you scale a ratio?

Multiply both sides by same number to maintain proportion. Example: 3:4 recipe for 1 batch. For 5 batches: 3x5 : 4x5 = 15:20. To find missing value: 3:4 = x:12, solve 3/4 = x/12, so x = 9. Common in cooking (scale recipes), mixing (paint, concrete), maps (1:50,000 scale), and models.

What are common aspect ratios?

Video: 16:9 (HDTV, YouTube), 21:9 (ultrawide), 4:3 (old TV). Photography: 3:2 (DSLR), 4:3 (micro four-thirds), 1:1 (Instagram square). Print: 8.5:11 (letter), 5:7 (photo). Golden ratio: 1.618:1 (aesthetically pleasing). Screen sizes use these - 27" 16:9 monitor = 23.5" wide x 13.2" tall. Maintaining ratio prevents distortion.