The method
- Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the parts.
- Divide every part by the GCD.
- Check that the parts now share no common factor.
Examples
- 12:18 → GCD is 6 → 2:3.
- 45:60 → GCD is 15 → 3:4.
- Three parts, 20:30:50 → GCD is 10 → 2:3:5.
Ratios with decimals
Multiply every part by 10, 100 or 1,000 to remove decimals, then simplify. Example: 1.5:2.5 → 15:25 → 3:5.
Ratios with fractions
Multiply every part by the lowest common denominator. Example: ½:⅓ → multiply by 6 → 3:2.
Try it yourself. Get your own result in seconds with the free Ratio Calculator.
Open the Ratio CalculatorFrequently asked questions
What is 16:24 in simplest form?
2:3, dividing by the GCD of 8.
Can a ratio have decimals?
Yes, but it is usually simplified to whole numbers.
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