Proportion Solver

Given a/b = c/x (or any of three knowns), solve for the fourth.

Inputs

Result

x
12
2/3 = 8/12.
  • Equationa/b = c/x
  • Cross-multiplya · x = b · c
  • Solvedx = (b · c) / a = (3 × 8) / 2

Step-by-step

  1. Set up the proportion: 2/3 = 8/x.
  2. Cross-multiply: 2 · x = 3 · 8 = 24.
  3. Divide by a: x = 24 / 2 = 12.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter a, b, and c.
  • The calculator solves for x in a/b = c/x.

About this calculator

Two ratios are proportional if a/b = c/d. If three of the four values are known, cross-multiplication solves for the fourth: x = (b · c) / a. This is the foundation of "is the same as" reasoning — recipes scaled by ratio, map distances, mixing dilutions.

Frequently asked

Same logic, swap labels. d = (b · c) / a, just like solving for x.

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