Ratio Calculator
Similar Ratios
Here are some equivalent ratios that simplify to the same result:
What is a Ratio?
A ratio is a comparison between two or more related numbers. It shows how many times one value contains or is contained within another value. Ratios are commonly written using a colon (:) or as a fraction.
Visual Example: Ratio 3:2
Real-World Applications of Ratios
Cooking & Baking
Used in recipes to maintain proper proportions of ingredients:
- Classic pie crust ratio: 3:2:1 (flour:fat:water)
- Perfect cookie ratio: 3:2:1 (flour:fat:sugar)
- Basic bread ratio: 5:3 (flour:water)
Construction & Design
Essential for:
- Concrete mixing (cement:sand:gravel)
- Paint mixing proportions
- Architectural scaling
- Golden ratio in design (1:1.618)
Financial Planning
Used to analyze:
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Profit margins
- Investment allocations
- Risk assessment ratios
Common Ratio Examples
| Context | Ratio | Simplified | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recipe (Sugar to Flour) | 150g : 300g | 1:2 | Baking |
| Screen Resolution | 1920:1080 | 16:9 | Digital Display |
| Map Scale | 1:100000 | 1:100000 | Cartography |
| Paint Mixture | 1:4 | 1:4 | Wall Painting |
Understanding Ratio Formats
Different Ways to Express Ratios
| Format | Example | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Colon Format | 3:1 | Most common general usage |
| Fraction Format | 3/1 | Mathematical calculations |
| Word Format | 3 to 1 | Written documents |
Tips for Working with Ratios
Best Practices
- Always simplify ratios to their lowest terms for clarity
- Keep the same units when comparing ratios
- Remember that order matters (2:1 is different from 1:2)
- Use whole numbers when possible
Common Questions About Ratios
FAQ
Why simplify ratios?
Simplified ratios are easier to understand and work with. They help identify patterns and make calculations simpler.
Can ratios be negative?
While technically possible, ratios typically use positive numbers in most practical applications.
What's the difference between ratio and proportion?
A ratio compares two numbers, while a proportion shows the equality between two ratios (e.g., 1:2 = 2:4).
Specialized Ratio Calculators
Recipe Ratio Scaler
Scale recipes up or down while maintaining perfect proportions.
- Adjust serving sizes
- Convert measurements
- Maintain ingredient ratios
- Professional kitchen use
Financial Ratio Calculator
Analyze business performance and investment metrics.
- Profitability ratios
- Liquidity analysis
- Leverage metrics
- Industry benchmarks
Popular Calculations
Cooking & Baking
- Recipe Scaling
- Ingredient Proportions
- Baking Ratios
Business & Finance
- Financial Ratios
- Profit Margins
- Investment Returns
Construction
- Concrete Mixing
- Material Ratios
- Scale Conversions
Ratio Simplifier
Copyright 2024 - © Ratio Simplifier