# Ratio

A way to compare amounts. 2:3 means for every 2 parts of one thing there are 3 parts of another.

Maths (school) · Part 01: Number and ratio · Card 5 of 9 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Like a squash recipe: 1 part juice to 4 parts water.

## Example

**Share 60 in ratio 2:3**

Total parts = 2 + 3 = 5
1 part = 60 / 5 = 12
Shares: 24 and 36

## In practice

Mixing paint, sharing profits and reading map scales all use ratios.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Share 60 in the ratio 2:3.** 24 and 36. There are 5 parts of 12 each.

## Questions people ask

### How do you share an amount in a ratio?

Add the ratio numbers to get the total parts, divide the amount by that total to find one part, then multiply by each ratio number. Sharing 60 in the ratio 2:3 gives 5 parts, 12 each, so 24 and 36.

### How do you simplify a ratio?

Divide every number in the ratio by the same number, just like simplifying a fraction. For 12:18, both divide by 6, giving 2:3. Keep going until no number divides into all parts. The ratio then stays equal but is easier to use.

## Related concepts

- [Direct proportion](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/maths-school/maths-school-part-1/maths-school-part-1-concept-6)

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