How it works
A ratio compares quantities. 12:18 means 12 of one thing for every 18 of another. Dividing every part by the greatest common factor (6) gives the simplest equivalent ratio, 2:3.
Switch to Scale to keep the same proportions at a new size: for example, to scale a 2:3 recipe so the first ingredient is 10 cups, giving 10:15. Each part is also shown as a percent of the total.
Formula
simplified = each part ÷ GCF(all parts); share = part ÷ sum of parts × 100
Questions people ask
How do I simplify a ratio with decimals?
Multiply every part by the same power of 10 to clear decimals, then divide by the GCF. 1.5:2.5 becomes 15:25, which simplifies to 3:5.
How do I turn a ratio into a percent?
Add the parts to get the total, then divide each part by it. For 2:3 the total is 5, so the parts are 40% and 60%.
Is a ratio the same as a fraction?
Closely related but not identical. The ratio 2:3 compares two parts; the first part is 2/5 of the whole, and the ratio of first to second is 2/3.