Ratio Simplifier
Simplify any ratio A:B to its lowest terms by dividing both sides by their greatest common divisor.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Enter two numbers to simplify their ratio to the lowest terms. The calculator divides both values by their greatest common divisor (GCD) and displays the result as you type.
- Enter Value A. This is the first number in your ratio.
- Enter Value B. This is the second number in your ratio.
- Read the result. The simplified ratio appears along with the GCD used and the decimal equivalent of A divided by B.
For example, entering 12 and 8 produces 3:2 because the GCD of 12 and 8 is 4. Both sides are divided by 4 to get the simplest form.
About Ratios
A ratio compares two quantities by expressing them as a pair of numbers separated by a colon. Ratios appear everywhere: recipes (flour to sugar), maps (scale), screens (aspect ratio), and financial analysis (debt to equity). Simplifying a ratio makes it easier to understand and compare by reducing it to the smallest whole numbers that maintain the same relationship.
The simplification process uses the Euclidean algorithm to find the GCD, then divides both sides by it. This is the same principle used in simplifying fractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you simplify a ratio?
Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers, then divide each number by the GCD. For example, 12:8 has a GCD of 4, so dividing both by 4 gives 3:2.
What is the difference between a ratio and a fraction?
A ratio compares two quantities (A:B), while a fraction represents a part of a whole (A/B). They use the same math for simplification, but they express different relationships. A ratio of 3:2 means "3 for every 2," while a fraction 3/2 means "three halves."
Can ratios use decimals?
Ratios are typically expressed as whole numbers, but you can enter decimals into this calculator. The tool rounds to the nearest integer before simplifying, since ratios are conventionally expressed in whole numbers.