Ratio Calculator | Simplify & Solve Ratios (Pixels, ml, oz)

Q: How do you use the ratio calculator for 3 numbers?

In the 'Simplify Ratio' section, simply enter your three numbers separated by colons (e.g., 10:20:30). The calculator will find the greatest common divisor for all three numbers and simplify the ratio accordingly (e.g., to 1:2:3).

Q: How do I use this as a ratio calculator for pixels?

To find an aspect ratio, use the 'Simplify Ratio' tool. Enter your pixel dimensions like '1920:1080', and it will simplify to '16:9'. To resize an image, use the 'Solve for Missing Value' tool. For example, if you have a 600x400 image and want to resize it to a width of 300, you would enter 600:400 = 300:x and solve for x to find the new height.

Q: Can I use this for liquid ml or oz ratios?

Yes. Use the 'Solve for Missing Value' calculator for scaling recipes. If a recipe calls for 100ml of water for every 20ml of concentrate, and you only have 15ml of concentrate, you can solve the ratio 100:20 = x:15 to find out you need 75ml of water.

Simplify a Ratio

Enter 2, 3, or 4 numbers separated by colons (e.g., 10:20:50).

Solve for a Missing Value

Enter three values in the proportion A:B = C:D to solve for the fourth.

: = :

The Ultimate Guide to Ratios

A ratio is a mathematical comparison of two or more numbers, indicating their relative sizes. Ratios are used everywhere, from calculating the aspect ratio of your screen to scaling a recipe in the kitchen. This guide explains what ratios are, how to work with them, and how our dual-function calculator can both simplify a ratio with 2, 3, or more numbers and solve for a missing value in a proportion.

How to Use the Ratio Calculator

Our online tool is split into two parts to handle the most common ratio problems.

1. How to Simplify a Ratio

Simplifying a ratio means reducing it to its simplest form in whole numbers. For example, 50:100 is the same as 1:2.

Enter your numbers into the "Simplify a Ratio" box, separated by colons (e.g., `8:24:16`).
Click "Simplify".
The calculator finds the greatest common divisor (GCD) of all numbers and divides each by it to give you the simplest form (e.g., `1:3:2`).

2. How to Solve for a Missing Value (Proportions)

This is used when you have two equivalent ratios and need to find a missing number. The formula is A:B = C:D.

Enter the three numbers you know into the A, B, C, and D fields. Leave the field for the unknown value blank.
Click "Solve".
The calculator uses cross-multiplication to find the missing value and shows you the steps.

Practical Applications and Examples

Ratio Calculator for Pixels (Aspect Ratio)

An aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It's written as `width:height`.

Problem: A monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. What is its aspect ratio?

Use the "Simplify Ratio" calculator.
Enter `1920:1080`.
Result: The calculator simplifies this to `16:9`, the standard widescreen aspect ratio.

Problem: You have a 800x600 pixel image that you want to resize to a height of 400 pixels while maintaining the aspect ratio. What is the new width?

Use the "Solve for Missing Value" calculator.
The ratio is `width:height`. So, A=800, B=600, C=x (unknown), D=400.
Enter `800` for A, `600` for B, `400` for D, and leave C blank.
Result: The calculator solves `800:600 = x:400` and finds the new width `x = 533.33` pixels.

Ratio Calculator for Liquids (ml or oz)

Ratios are essential for scaling recipes or mixing solutions.

Problem: A cleaning solution requires mixing concentrate and water in a 1:4 ratio. If you use 50 ml of concentrate, how much water do you need?

Use the "Solve for Missing Value" calculator.
The ratio is `concentrate:water`. So, A=1, B=4, C=50, D=x (unknown).
Enter `1` for A, `4` for B, `50` for C, and leave D blank.
Result: The calculator solves `1:4 = 50:x` and finds you need `x = 200` ml of water.

Ratios in Professional Settings (Childcare)

Many professions have mandated ratios for safety and quality. For example, childcare centers must maintain a specific staff-to-child ratio. If the required ratio for a certain age group is 1 staff member for every 4 children (1:4), and there are 12 children present, you can determine that 3 staff members are required (`1:4 = 3:12`).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you use the ratio calculator for 3 numbers?

In the "Simplify Ratio" section, simply enter your three numbers separated by colons (e.g., 10:20:30). The calculator will find the greatest common divisor for all three numbers and simplify the ratio accordingly (e.g., to 1:2:3).

How do I use this as a ratio calculator for pixels?

To find an aspect ratio, use the "Simplify Ratio" tool. Enter your pixel dimensions like '1920:1080', and it will simplify to '16:9'. To resize an image, use the "Solve for Missing Value" tool. For example, if you have a 600x400 image and want to resize it to a width of 300, you would enter 600:400 = 300:x and solve for x to find the new height.

Can I use this for liquid ml or oz ratios?

Yes. Use the "Solve for Missing Value" calculator for scaling recipes. If a recipe calls for 100ml of water for every 20ml of concentrate, and you only have 15ml of concentrate, you can solve the ratio 100:20 = x:15 to find out you need 75ml of water.

For related calculations involving fractions and percentages, try our Percentage Calculator or our Slope Calculator.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides mathematical results based on your inputs. Always double-check critical calculations for safety, professional, or financial applications.