How it is calculated
- Decimals are scaled to whole numbers by multiplying both parts by 10, 100 and so on
- Both parts are divided by their greatest common factor
- A ÷ B = the first part divided by the second
- Share of A = A ÷ (A + B) × 100
- New B = new A × B ÷ A
To find the greatest common factor yourself, use the GCF calculator. For percentages, use the percentage calculator.
Worked example
The ratio 15 : 25:
- Greatest common factor: 5
- Simplified ratio: 15 ÷ 5 : 25 ÷ 5 = 3 : 5
- A as a share of the total: 15 ÷ 40 = 37.5%
- If A becomes 12, B = 12 × 25 ÷ 15 = 20
Why your number may differ
Decimals with more than six places are not accepted, because they cannot be turned into whole numbers reliably. A ratio with a zero part is shown as 0 : 1 or 1 : 0.