Learn ratios step by step
Learn ratios in 10 levels, from writing a ratio to proportions, scale drawings and word problems, with a 5-question test for each level.
🧒 Kids: tap Start level ▶ and get 4 of 5 right to pass. Can you reach level 10? 🏆
Which level for which grade?
There are 10 levels, from writing ratios to scale drawings and word problems. Each level has short lessons and a 5-question test; get 4 right to pass. Progress is saved on this device, so your child can come back and carry on.
| Level | Skill | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writing ratios | 6 |
| 2 | Equivalent ratios | 6 |
| 3 | Simplest form | 6 |
| 4 | Tables and number lines | 6 |
| 5 | Tape diagrams | 6 |
| 6 | Comparing ratios | 6 |
| 7 | Unit rates and prices | 6 |
| 8 | Speed and proportions | 6–7 |
| 9 | Proportional relationships | 7 |
| 10 | Scale and stories | 7 |
How to use the levels
- Find the starting level. Take the tests from level 1 until your child scores under 4. That is the level to work on.
- Learn it. Open the Learn links for that level: each lesson has pictures, a parent script and practice.
- Practice for a few days. Use the tools on the lesson pages and the ratio practice tool.
- Retake the test. 4 out of 5 passes the level. Move on to the next one.
Level 2, equivalent ratios, is the one to take slowly. Every later level scales ratios up and down.
Why the levels are in this order
Each level uses the one before it. Writing ratios (level 1) gives the language, and equivalent ratios and simplest form (levels 2 and 3) are the core skill.
Tables, number lines and tape diagrams (levels 4 and 5) are the pictures that solve problems. Comparing ratios (level 6) and unit rates (level 7) use those pictures to make fair comparisons.
Proportions and proportional relationships (levels 8 and 9) are the grade 7 step, and the final level puts it all together. A child stuck at a high level usually has a gap lower down, very often level 2.
Tools that help with every level
The ratio calculator simplifies ratios, checks equivalent ratios, solves proportions and shares amounts. It helps with levels 2 to 5 and 8. The unit rate calculator draws a double number line and compares deals, which helps with levels 4 and 7.
Recipes, prices and maps are the best real-life models. Confident times tables matter throughout, so keep the multiplication practice going alongside.
More ratio practice
- Ratio quiz for grades 6 and 7.
- Ratio practice by skill.
- Ratio calculator with steps.
- Printable ratios worksheets.
For teachers
The levels work on a projector for a whole-class warm-up. Progress is saved only in each device’s browser, so no login or student data is needed. On shared computers, use Reset my progress at the end of the lesson.
Practice questions (answers below)
Ask these out loud or write them down. Check each answer, and ask “how did you get that?” for one or two.
- Level 1: 3 cats, 5 dogs. Cats to dogs?
- Level 2: 2 : 7 = 8 : ?
- Level 3: simplify 15 : 25
- Level 4: 1 : 6, 2 : 12, 5 : ?
- Level 5: share 24 in 1 : 3
- Level 6: 1 : 3 or 2 : 5, more of the first?
- Level 7: $15 for 5 pens, each?
- Level 8: 3/4 = x/20
- Level 9: x 2, 4; y 9, 18. k?
- Level 10: 1 cm : 25 km, 4 cm?
Show the answers
- 3 : 5
- 28
- 3 : 5
- 30
- 6 and 18
- 2 : 5
- $3
- 15
- 4.5
- 100 km
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Level chart
Print a chart of 10 boxes and colour one each time a level is passed.
Celebrate
A small reward at levels 5 and 10.
Cook and shop
Recipes and price labels make any ratio level easier.
By grade
Check every topic at once
The free math check-up tests every topic of one grade in 10 to 20 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and where to start practicing. Levels you pass here also appear on your progress page.
More for each grade: Grade 6 math and the CBSE class 6 maths guide; Grade 7 math and the CBSE class 7 maths guide.
Worksheets and practice
Ratios worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key. · Make a fresh test
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How do you learn ratios step by step?
Start with writing ratios, then equivalent ratios and simplest form. Next come ratio tables, tape diagrams, comparing and unit rates, then proportions, proportional relationships and scale drawings.
What is the hardest part of learning ratios?
Usually sharing an amount in a ratio, setting up proportions in the right order and spotting proportional relationships. Levels 5, 8 and 9 focus on these.
How long does it take to learn ratios?
Ratios are spread over grades 6 and 7. Most children move through about five levels a year with short daily practice.
Is progress saved?
Yes, passed levels are saved in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us.
Should my child know times tables before ratios?
Yes. Ratios scale by multiplying and dividing, so quick times tables make every level easier.