Ratio and proportion are ways of expressing the relationship between two or more quantities. We use them all the time: the instructions for making up squash will often say that you use 1 part squash to 4 parts water. This is a ratio (1:4).
Maths problems that include ratio and proportion are usually set in a practical context, such as mixing paint or scaling up ingredients in a recipe.
Teach your children about the ratio and proportion using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Try these questions on ratio linked to two delicious recipes!
- Test your understanding of ratio with this worksheet.
- Try this NRICH investigation based on making orange squash.
- Does Peter have enough ingredients to make 2 pumpkin pies?
- Try this fun homework task where pupils create their own ratios.
Resources
- Use our ratio banner on your display board.
- Download some ratio questions here.
- Visit the BBC Bitesize ratio page for clips and ideas.
Ratio and Proportion Facts
- A ratio is a way of comparing the size of two quantities in relation to each other. For example, if there are 2 blue marbles and 3 red marbles, the ration is 2:3.
- Proportion tells us how much of one thing there is out of a whole number. For example, if there are 2 blue marbles and 3 red marbles, the proportion of red marble is 3 out of 5.
- When you simplify a ratio, you need to divide all of the numbers in the ratio by the same number.
Videos
Introduction to ratio and proportion
This lesson recorded lesson is a good introduction to the topic and includes a vocabulary list.
Running time: 4:51
Proportion – Primary
There are great worked examples of ratio and proportion problems in this video.
Running time: 6:38
Proportion: Ice Cream example
This quick video shows how to solve a KS2 SATs question on proportion.
Running time: 0:54
Books
Pythagoras and the Ratios
Find out how ratios are used in music while you enjoy this funny story.
Maths is Easy - Ratio, Proportion and Algebra
This revision guide is clearly set out with information and practice problems.
Speed, Proportion and Ratio
This workbook is perfect for practising ratio and proportion.
SAT Smasher: Ratio and Proportion
Practise using ratio and proportion with this book.
Links
- Visit the Maths is Fun page on ratio for examples and practice questions.
- Children will enjoy playing Ratio Rumble; a fun game that will challenge them to use their understanding of ratio to brew the best potions.
- Visit the BBC Bitesize ratio page for guides and challenges.
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
