Ratio Calculator
Simplify a ratio to its smallest whole numbers using GCD, or scale a ratio to split a target total.
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Simplified Ratio
1 : 2
How to Simplify or Scale a Ratio
A ratio compares two values. This calculator has two modes: Simplify reduces any two numbers to their simplest whole-number ratio using their greatest common divisor (GCD), while Scale to Total takes a ratio (like 2:3) and splits a target total into parts that keep that exact ratio.
Example
Simplifying 4 : 8 gives 1 : 2 (dividing both by their GCD, 4). Scaling the ratio 2 : 3 to a total of 100 splits it into 40 and 60 — each part keeps the same 2:3 proportion.
Common Use Cases
- Simplifying a recipe, mixture, or aspect ratio to its simplest whole-number form.
- Splitting a bonus, profit, or shared bill between people or groups in a given ratio.
- Scaling up or down a paint, concrete, or chemical mixture ratio to a specific batch size.
FAQs
What does "simplifying" a ratio actually do?
It divides both numbers by their greatest common divisor (GCD) — the largest number that divides evenly into both — leaving the smallest possible whole numbers that still represent the exact same proportion.
How does the "Scale to Total" mode work?
It treats your ratio's two numbers as proportional parts of a whole, then divides your target total between them in that same proportion — for example, a 2:3 ratio always splits any total into 40% and 60% shares.
Can I use decimal numbers in a ratio?
The Scale to Total mode works fine with decimals. The Simplify mode is designed for whole numbers since GCD is a whole-number concept — for decimal ratios, first multiply both values by 10, 100, etc. to make them whole numbers before simplifying.