4 Formulas to Calculate Ratio in Excel
Simple Divide Method
GCD Function
SUBSTITUTE and TEXT
Using Round Function
1. Calculate Ratio by using Simple Divide Method
We can use this method when the larger value is divisible with the smaller value. In the below example, we have value 10 and 2, where 10 is divisible with 2.
📷
So you can use this method here. Insert the below formula into the cell and hit enter.
=A2/B2&”:”&”1″
📷
here's how this formula works...
In this formula, we have divided 10 with 2 which gives you 5 in return. So now we have 5 instead of 10 by dividing with 2. And on the other side, we have used 1 instead of 2.
📷
PROs: #1. Simple to apply. #2. Easy to understand.
CONs: #1. Limited use. #2. Not applicable if the larger value is not divisible with the smaller value.
2. GCD Function to Calculate Ratio in Excel
As I said, there is no single function in excel to calculate the ratio for you. But, GCD function is close enough.
It can help you to get common denomination for both of the values and then by using little concatenation, you can calculate the ratio.
📷
And to calculate the ratio insert below formula into the cell and hit enter.
=A2/GCD(A2,B2)&”:”&B2/GCD(A2,B2)
📷
here's how this formula works...
Maybe it looks complex to you but it’s simple in real. Let me explain you this in two parts.
📷
As I said, GCD can give you a common denominator for both of the values. So here you have to use GCD in both of the parts of the formula to get a common denominator.
After that, you have to divide both of the values with that common denominator. And, in the end, a little concatenation to join both of the values using a colon.
PROs: #1. It's a dynamic formula, it doesn’t matter even if you change the values. #2 Easy to apply.
CONs: #1. GCD function only works with integers and if you have decimals in your values, it will not work.
3. SUBSTITUTE and TEXT for Ratio Calculation
A combination of two awesome functions.
Yes, you can use SUBSTITUTE and TEXT function to calculate the ratio. This method works like a charm just like GCD function.
Here we have below values to calculate the ratio.
📷
In a cell, insert the below formula and hit enter.
=SUBSTITUTE(TEXT(A2/B2,”#####/#####”),”/”,”:”)
📷
here's how this formula works...
This formula also works in two different work parts with TEXT and SUBSTITUTE.
📷
First, you have to use text function to divide both of the numbers, and after that format the returning value in a fractional format.
Second, by dividing both of the values you have got 10 and when you convert this value into a fractional part you will get 10/1.
Third, replace forward slash with a colon. And, we have substitute function for that.
PROs: #1. A dynamic formula, it doesn’t matter even if you change the values. #2. Simple to use and understand.
CONs: #1. If you have simple values to calculate a ratio, it’s not good to use this method.
4. Calculate Ratio with Round Function
Using round function to calculate a ratio is also a useful method. This is especially useful when you want to calculate ratio with decimals for accurate comparison.
Here we have values in which higher value is not divisible with the smaller value.
So, in this situation instead of using them as they are you can divide them and show the final ratio with decimals.
📷
Just insert the below formula into the cell and hit enter.
=ROUND(A2/B2,1)&”:”&1
📷
And, here you have a ratio with decimals.
here's how this formula works...
You can split this formula into two different parts to understand it.
First of all, you have to use round function to divide larger value with the small value and get the result with one decimal. Second, you have to use a colon and “1” in the end.
PROs: #1. Useful when you want to get results with decimals. #2. Final value will more accurate.
CONs: #1. Not applicable in all the situations