# Ratio Calculator

> Simplify ratios and calculate equivalent ratios and decimal values.

Page: https://freecalculator.tech/tools/ratio-calculator

## How do I simplify or scale a ratio?

A ratio simplifies by dividing both sides by their greatest common factor, and scales by multiplying both sides by the same number.

## Formula

Divide both whole-number terms by their greatest common divisor to simplify a ratio.

- Divide both whole-number terms by their greatest common divisor to simplify a ratio.
- Inputs used: First term, Second term, Equivalent ratio multiplier.
- Edge handling: First term is required.; Second term is required.; Equivalent ratio multiplier is required.; Equivalent ratio multiplier must be greater than zero..

## Inputs

- First term
- Second term
- Equivalent ratio multiplier

## Worked example: Simplify 12:18

The greatest common divisor is 6, so the simplified ratio is 2:3.
1. Start with First term: 12, Second term: 18, Equivalent ratio multiplier: 2.
2. Apply the method: Divide both whole-number terms by their greatest common divisor to simplify a ratio.
3. The greatest common divisor is 6, so the simplified ratio is 2:3.

## Common questions

### How do I simplify or scale a ratio?

A ratio simplifies by dividing both sides by their greatest common factor, and scales by multiplying both sides by the same number. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real math decision.

### Can a ratio contain decimals?

Yes. Decimal ratios are displayed as entered, with their decimal value.

### Why can’t the second term be zero?

A ratio with a zero denominator has no finite decimal value. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real math decision.

### How do I use the Ratio Calculator?

Enter the required values for First term, Second term, Equivalent ratio multiplier. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.

### What formula does the Ratio Calculator use?

Divide both whole-number terms by their greatest common divisor to simplify a ratio. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.

### Can the Ratio Calculator be used for exact decisions?

Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.

## Limitations and assumptions

- Inputs outside the supported range are rejected rather than forced into a result.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this ratio calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.

## Cite this page

- APA: Free Calculator. (n.d.). Ratio Calculator. https://freecalculator.tech/tools/ratio-calculator
- MLA: "Ratio Calculator." Free Calculator, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/ratio-calculator.
- Link: Ratio Calculator — Free Calculator, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/ratio-calculator