How to Simplify Ratios? (+FREE Worksheet!)
To simplify a ratio, divide both terms by their greatest common factor until no whole number divides both. A ratio of 12 to 18 becomes 2 to 3, because 6 divides both terms. The steps below work through several examples, and a free worksheet follows.
Watch this practice video for additional examples and reinforcement:
Related Topics
Step-by-step guide to simplify ratios
- Ratios are used to make comparisons between two numbers.
- Ratios can be written as a fraction, using the word “to”, or with a colon.
- You can calculate equivalent ratios by multiplying or dividing both sides of the ratio by the same number.
For education statistics and research
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Simplifying Ratios, Example 1:
Simplify. (4:2=)
Solution:
Both numbers (4) and (2) are divisible by (2, ⇒ 4 ÷ 2=2, 2 ÷ 2=1),
Then: (4:2=2:1)
Simplifying Ratios, Example 2:
Simplify. (frac{14}{24}=)
Solution:
Both numbers (14) and (24) are divisible by (2, ⇒ 14 ÷ 2=7, 24 ÷ 2=12),
Then: (frac{14}{24}=frac{7}{12} )
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Simplifying Ratios, Example 3:
Simplify. (8:4=)
Solution:
Both numbers (8) and (4) are divisible by (4 ), (⇒ 8÷4=2, 4÷4=1),
Then: (8:4=2:1)
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Simplifying Ratios, Example 4:
Simplify. (frac{12}{36}=)
Solution:
Both numbers (12) and (36) are divisible by (12), (⇒ 12÷12=1, 36÷12=3),
Then: (frac{12}{36}=frac{1}{3 })
Exercises for Simplifying Ratios
Reduce each ratio.
- (color{blue}{21:49})
- (color{blue}{20:40})
- (color{blue}{10:50})
- (color{blue}{14:18})
- (color{blue}{45:27})
- (color{blue}{63:18})
Download Simplifying Ratios Worksheet

Answers
- (color{blue}{3:7})
- (color{blue}{1:2})
- (color{blue}{1:5})
- (color{blue}{7:9})
- (color{blue}{5:3})
- (color{blue}{7:2})
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