Everyday maths, explained
Less complexity.
The same proportion.
Turn two whole-number amounts into their simplest ratio. See your answer and the steps that get you there.
✳A LITTLE CLARITY
24 : 36 =2:3
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Clear answers · Simple stepsA little understanding
Let’s make the numbers make sense.
Compare amounts in the smallest terms
A ratio compares two quantities in the same order. If a recipe uses 24 spoonfuls of one ingredient and 36 of another, divide both by their greatest common divisor, 12. The ratio is 2 : 3.
Simplified ratio = (a ÷ GCD) : (b ÷ GCD)
A 2 : 3 ratio has five parts in total. The first quantity is 2/5 of the combined total, not 2/3. Before simplifying measurements, convert both quantities to the same unit.
Does the order of a ratio matter?
Yes. Boys to girls at 2 : 3 means two boys for every three girls. Girls to boys is 3 : 2. Keep the original order of your quantities.
Can one quantity be zero?
Yes. 0 : 5 simplifies to 0 : 1. Both quantities cannot be zero because there is no meaningful proportion to simplify.
Can I use decimal ratios?
This tool takes whole numbers. To simplify 1.5 : 2.5, multiply both by 10 first and enter 15 : 25. It simplifies to 3 : 5.