How to Determine a Ratio

Ratios represent how one quantity is related to another quantity.

A ratio may be written as A:B or A/B or by the phrase "A to B".

A ratio of 1:5 says that the second quantity is five times as large as the first.

The following steps will allow a ratio to be determination if two numbers are known.

Example: Determine the ratio of 24 to 40.

  • Divide both terms of the ratio by the greatest common factor (24/8 = 3, 40/8=5)
  • State the ratio. (The ratio of 24 to 40 is 3:5)

Determine the ratio.

Reduce answer to lowest terms! Use the format A:B