Ratio Match: a ratio matching game
A memory game: match equivalent ratios, pictures with ratios, or rates with unit rates. A free ratio matching game for any device. Grades 6–7.
🧒 Kids: Turn over 2 cards. Find two cards that show the same ratio, like 4 : 6 and 6 : 9. Find all the pairs!
How to play
- Choose what to match (equivalent ratios, pictures, rates or simplest form) and how many pairs (6, 8 or 10).
- Press Deal the cards. All cards start face down.
- Turn over two cards. If they show the same ratio or rate, like 4 : 6 and 6 : 9, they stay face up.
- If they don’t match, they turn back over. Remember where they were!
- Find every pair in as few moves as you can.
What your child practices
Matching builds the idea that one ratio can be written in many equivalent ways (6.RP.A.3a). The pictures setting links ratio language to counters (6.RP.A.1). The rates setting practices unit rates such as miles per hour (6.RP.A.2). Memory games also slow children down just enough to think, so they suit children who are still learning.
Which setting to choose
| Setting | Example | Good for | Learn it first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equivalent ratios | 4 : 6 and 10 : 15 | Grade 6 | equivalent ratios |
| Picture and ratio | 2 circles and 3 squares with 2 : 3 | Grade 6 | what is a ratio |
| Rate and unit rate | 150 miles in 3 hours and 50 mph | Grades 6–7 | unit rates |
| Simplest form | 18 : 24 and 3 : 4 | Grade 6 | simplifying ratios |
Every pair is a different ratio, so each card has exactly one partner. In the equivalent ratios setting neither card is in simplest form, so children must check by simplifying or by finding a scale factor.
Once your child can clear 10 pairs in about 12 moves, the matches are well known. Try Ratio Bingo next, which adds a gentle timer.
Tips for parents
- Play together and take turns. Say each ratio aloud with “for every” when you turn it over.
- Start with 6 pairs and the pictures setting.
- When you find a pair, explain why it matches: “both simplify to 2 : 3.”
- After the game, read the list of pairs on the results screen together.
- Your best (fewest moves) is saved for each setting.
In the classroom
Works well on an interactive whiteboard with two teams taking turns. For a quieter version, children play on their own devices and record their move count. The rates setting makes a good warm-up before a lesson on unit rates.
More ratio games and practice
Games: Ratio Race · Ratio Bingo · all ratio games · percent games · fraction games · all math games
Print it: the ratios worksheet and the unit rates worksheet, with answer keys, for practice away from the screen.
Practice: ratio practice · ratio calculator · ratio quiz · ratio levels
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How do you play Ratio Match?
Turn over two cards at a time and match cards that show the same ratio or rate, such as 4 : 6 and 6 : 9. Find all the pairs in as few moves as possible.
What can you match in this ratio game?
Equivalent ratios, pictures with their ratios, rates with their unit rates, or ratios with their simplest form.
How many cards are there?
Up to 20 cards: 6, 8 or 10 pairs. Every pair is a different ratio, so each card has exactly one partner.
What grade is Ratio Match for?
Grades 6 and 7. Pictures and simplest form suit grade 6; rates suit grades 6 and 7.
Is there a timer?
No. Ratio Match has no time pressure, which makes it a good first ratio game.