MathUpdated December 2025

Proportion Calculator

Solve for the missing value in a proportion a/b = c/d. Cross-multiplies and shows the calculation. Useful for ratios, similar triangles, recipe scaling, and unit conversion.

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Updated 2025

Proportion Calculator

Use this free proportion calculator to solve for the missing value in a proportion a/b = c/d. Cross-multiplies and shows the work.

We are solving a / b = c / d for D

/
=
/

Ratios at a glance

A / B0.6667
C / D-

Quick reference

  • \u2022 Recipes: 2 cups flour : 3 eggs \u2192 how much for 8 eggs?
  • \u2022 Maps: 1 in : 5 mi \u2192 real distance for 3.2 in
  • \u2022 Triangles: 3 : 4 = x : 12 (similar shapes)
  • \u2022 Unit conversion: 1 kg : 2.2 lb \u2192 ? kg = 10 lb
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How Proportions Work

1

Set Up the Ratio

Write a/b = c/d. Two pairs of values that scale together.

2

Cross-Multiply

a \u00d7 d = b \u00d7 c. Three known values give you the missing one.

3

Solve & Verify

Plug back in. Both sides should give the same ratio.

Common Applications

  • Cooking: Scale a recipe from 4 servings to 7. Same flour-to-liquid ratio.
  • Map scales: 1 inch represents 5 miles. How many inches for 12 miles?
  • Similar triangles: If a 3 cm side matches a 4 cm side, what matches a 12 cm side?
  • Unit conversion: 1 kg = 2.2 lb. Convert 10 lb to kg using the proportion.
  • Percentages: 25/100 = x/40. Find x = 10 (which is 25% of 40).
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How our proportion calculator works

1

Enter three known values

Type the three known values from the proportion a/b = c/d. Leave the unknown (4th value) empty. The calculator accepts fractions, decimals, and integers.

2

We cross-multiply and solve

a/b = c/d means ad = bc. We solve for the unknown using cross-multiplication, with steps shown.

3

Read the result

See the missing value plus the verification: enter all four values back into a/b = c/d and check they are equal.

Key things to know about our proportion calculator:

  • Recipe scaling: If a recipe for 4 servings uses 200 g flour, how much for 6 servings? 200/4 = x/6, so x = 300 g. The proportion calculator handles this instantly.
  • Map scales: 1 inch = 5 miles. How many inches = 23 miles? 1/5 = x/23, so x = 4.6 inches. The proportion calculator is great for unit conversion at constant ratios.
  • Chemistry dilutions: C1V1 = C2V2 is a proportion. So is stoichiometry, similar triangles, and density (mass / volume). One tool, many uses.

For related calculations, try our percentage calculator.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about this calculator. Can't find what you're looking for? Email our team.

A proportion calculator is a free math tool that solves for the missing value in a proportion a/b = c/d, using cross-multiplication. Our proportion calculator lets you solve for any of the four variables and shows the calculation. The proportion calculator is used for recipe scaling, map scales, similar triangles, and unit conversion.

How it works

How to solve a proportion (a/b = c/d) for any variable

Our proportion calculator lets you solve for the missing value in a proportion with cross-multiplication, in three steps.

  1. 1

    Pick the variable to solve for

    Click the A, B, C, or D button at the top to select which variable you want to find. The chosen variable is automatically cleared so you can leave it blank. The known three variables stay in their slots.

  2. 2

    Enter the three known values

    Type the three values you already know in their slots. Use any positive or negative numbers. The result can be a fraction, decimal, or large number - the calculator handles all of them with full precision.

  3. 3

    Read the result

    Click Solve Proportion. The result shows the missing value, the verified proportion, and a cross-multiplication check (a x d should equal b x c within rounding). Use the share button to copy a link with your inputs pre-filled.

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