Ratio Calculator

Simplify ratios and scale a known ratio to a target total or term.

Enter your values

Change any field. The result is recalculated on this device.

Formula, example and assumptions
Simplified ratio2:3

Your result

Local calculation
Simplified ratio2:3

The simplified ratio keeps the same proportions. The shares show how much belongs to each term, and the scaled amounts divide your target total in those proportions.

First term
2
Second term
3
Target total
100
See how this is calculated

Result breakdown

First share
40%
Second share
60%
Scaled first term
40
Scaled second term
60
Check the inputs and method

These are your current inputs, not the worked example further down the page.

First term
2
Second term
3
Target total
100

Method

Share A = A/(A + B); share B = B/(A + B). Scaled amounts = target total × each share. Clear decimal places and divide both ratio terms by their greatest common divisor to simplify.

Read the worked example and assumptions

How this calculation works

A ratio describes the relative sizes of two positive parts, not the size of the whole. This tool reduces the ratio and allocates your target total between those parts. It is useful for splitting a quantity in a fixed proportion, provided both terms describe comparable amounts.

Share A = A/(A + B); share B = B/(A + B). Scaled amounts = target total × each share. Clear decimal places and divide both ratio terms by their greatest common divisor to simplify.

Worked example

This example uses illustrative inputs. Your current result is shown above.

For 2:3 and a target total of 100, there are 2 + 3 = 5 parts. The first amount is 100 × 2/5 = 40 and the second is 100 × 3/5 = 60.

Assumptions and limits

  • Both ratio terms must be positive; the target total can be zero.
  • The target is the combined total, not the desired value of either individual term.
  • The split allows fractional quantities; it does not round people, packs or other indivisible items into a feasible allocation.

Questions people ask

Does 2:3 mean the first share is two-thirds?

No. It means two parts out of five total parts, so the first share is two-fifths. Two-thirds would compare the first amount with the second, not with the whole.

Can I simplify a decimal ratio?

Yes. Both terms are scaled by the same power of ten before reducing. Their proportion is preserved, so 1.5:2.5 reduces to 3:5.

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