Proportion Calculator

Tip: leave exactly one box empty (or type “x”) and press =
Accepted formats: integers (7), decimals (0.25), fractions (3/4), percentages (12%)
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Proportion Calculator (Solve a:b = c:d)

Work out proportions in seconds with this clean, professional calculator. Enter any three values in a:b = c:d and it will find the fourth using cross-multiplication, then simplify the ratio and show clear working steps. You can also check whether two ratios form a true proportion, and scale a ratio to hit a specific total (e.g., split a budget or recipe). The tool accepts integers, fractions, decimals and percentages, making it ideal for schoolwork, teaching, recipes, construction, maps and finance. It’s fast, mobile-friendly and keyboard-ready, with optional focus and fullscreen modes for distraction-free use.

How to use

  • Choose what you need: Solve Missing Value, Check Proportion, or Scale Ratio to Total.
  • Enter your known values (use : or /, decimals or % are fine).
  • Press = to calculate.
  • Read the answer, the simplified ratio, and the steps (cross-multiplication or scaling).

What it calculates

  • Solve a:b = c:d → find any missing term (a, b, c or d).
  • Check if two ratios are proportional (e.g., 3:5 and 9:15).
  • Scale a ratio to a target total (e.g., split £1,200 in 3:5).
  • Convert between fraction, ratio and percentage views.
  • Simplify ratios to lowest terms.

Examples

  • Missing value: 3:4 = x:20 → cross-multiply → x = (3 × 20) / 4 = 15 → ratio 15:20 = 3:4.
  • Check proportion: 5:8 and 0.625:1 → both equal 0.625true.
  • Scale to total: Split £350 in 2:3 → total parts 5£140 and £210.
  • Recipe scaling: 2:3 flour:sugar for 10 servings; for 25 servings scale by 2.5 → 5 and 7.5 parts.

Features (bullets for users + keywords for SEO)

  • Solve proportions and ratios with cross-multiplication steps
  • Find the missing value in a:b = c:d
  • Scale ratios to a new total (budgets, recipes, mixes)
  • Accepts fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Simplifies results to lowest terms
  • Mobile-friendly, fast, and keyboard ready
  • Optional focus mode and fullscreen for user focus
  • Works alongside your fraction and percentage tools

FAQs – Countdown Timer

Q: What is a proportion?
A proportion states two ratios are equal, e.g., a:b = c:d.

Q: How do I find a missing value in a proportion?
Use cross-multiplication. Example: a:b = c:d → a × d = b × c. Solve for the unknown:

  • a = (b × c) / d
  • b = (a × d) / c
  • c = (a × d) / b
  • d = (b × c) / a

Q: What’s the difference between a ratio and a proportion?
A ratio compares two quantities (a:b). A proportion is an equation showing two ratios are equal (a:b = c:d).

Q: Can I use fractions, decimals and percentages?
Yes—enter 3/4, 0.75 or 75%. The calculator converts and simplifies automatically.

Q: How do I scale a ratio to a target total?
Add the parts (for 2:3 total is 5), divide the target by total parts (350 ÷ 5 = 70), then multiply each part: 2×70 and 3×70.

Q: What is a unit rate and scale factor?
A unit rate is a ratio per one unit (e.g., £12 per kg). A scale factor is what you multiply by to grow/shrink a ratio or figure (maps, drawings, recipes).

Q: Does this handle inverse proportion?
This tool focuses on direct proportion. For inverse proportion (x ∝ 1/y), use a dedicated inverse/variation calculator page.

Use cases

  • Education: homework, GCSE/AS maths, teaching examples
  • Cooking & batching: scale recipes while keeping ratios
  • Finance: budget splits, cost sharing, commissions
  • DIY & trades: mixes (cement, paint), material ratios
  • Maps & drawings: scale factors and dimensions

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