Ratio Calculator - Simplify & Solve Proportions (A:B = C:D)
⚖️ Online Ratio & Proportion Calculator
Simplify ratios, scale aspect ratios, and solve equivalent proportions (A:B = C:D)
1. Solve Proportion (Find Missing Value)
2. Simplify Ratio (A : B)
The Complete Guide to Ratios and Proportions
A ratio is a fundamental mathematical concept used to express the relative sizes of two or more values. Whether you are scaling an image for web design, adjusting cooking recipe ingredients, calculating financial liquidity ratios, or solving high school geometry problems, ratios provide a standardized comparison between quantities.
What is a Ratio and How is it Expressed?
A ratio compares how much of one thing there is compared to another thing. Ratios can be written in three distinct formats:
- Colon Notation: 4 : 3
- Fraction Form: 4/3
- Word Form: "4 to 3"
Proportions and Equivalent Ratios
A proportion is an equation stating that two ratios are equal. It is written as A : B = C : D or A/B = C/D. To solve an unknown value in a proportion, cross-multiplication is used:
Cross-Multiplication Formula: A × D = B × C
Popular Aspect Ratios in Digital Media
In modern video editing, photography, and UI/UX responsive Web design, maintaining exact aspect ratios prevents image stretching and distortion:
| Aspect Ratio | Common Resolution | Primary Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 16 : 9 | 1920 × 1080 (FHD) | YouTube Videos, Widescreen Monitors, HDTVs |
| 9 : 16 | 1080 × 1920 | TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts |
| 1 : 1 | 1080 × 1080 | Instagram Square Posts, Profile Pictures |
| 4 : 3 | 1024 × 768 | Legacy TV Displays, iPads, Tablet Screens |
How to Simplify a Ratio Step-by-Step
To simplify a ratio to its lowest terms, divide both numbers by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD):
Example: Simplify 12 : 16
1. Find the GCD of 12 and 16, which is 4.
2. Divide both parts by 4: (12 ÷ 4) : (16 ÷ 4) = 3 : 4.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between a ratio and a proportion?
A: A ratio compares two individual quantities, whereas a proportion is an equation that sets two ratios equal to each other.
Q: Can a ratio have three parts?
A: Yes, three-part ratios (e.g., 1 : 2 : 3) are commonly used in concrete mixing ratios (Cement : Sand : Gravel) or chemistry solutions.
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