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How to Calculate ratios in Microsoft Excel - Office 365

发布日期: 2024年3月13日

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Understanding ratios and being able to calculate them efficiently in Excel.

Enhanced Comparative Analysis: Easily compare different sets of data to understand their relationship.
Simplified Decision-Making: Ratios can help simplify complex data, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Improved Reporting: Ratios provide a clear and concise way to report on financial health, operational efficiency, or other key performance indicators.

Identify the two numbers you want to compare. Ensure these are in two separate cells. For example, place one number in cell A1 and the other in cell B1.

Step 2: Determine the Larger and Smaller Number

Use the MAX and MIN functions to identify the larger and smaller numbers respectively.

Step 3: Apply the Division Formula

In a new cell (say, C1), enter the formula to divide the larger number by the smaller one and format the result as a ratio in relation to "1".

Step 4: Format the Result as a Ratio

To express the result as a ratio to "1", you can use the TEXT function along with concatenation.

Let's say you want to compare two numbers: 120 (in cell A1) and 80 (in cell B1), and calculate their ratio.

Prepare Your Data: Place 120 in cell A1 and 80 in cell B1.
Determine the Larger and Smaller Number: Use =MAX(A1,B1) to identify the larger number and =MIN(A1,B1) for the smaller number.
Apply the Division Formula: In cell C1, you want to divide the larger number by the smaller one. However, to ensure that the smaller number is taken as a base (1), you might first think to apply a direct formula like =MAX(A1,B1)/MIN(A1,B1).
Format the Result as a Ratio: To express this division result as a ratio to "1", use the formula =1 & ":" & TEXT(MAX(A1,B1)/MIN(A1,B1),"0.00"). This will output "1:1.50", indicating that the larger number is 1.5 times the smaller number.

Handling Zero Values: Incorporate IF or IFERROR in your formula to avoid division by zero errors, such as =IF(MIN(A1,B1)=0, "N/A", 1 & ":" & TEXT(MAX(A1,B1)/MIN(A1,B1),"0.00")).
Automating with Dynamic Arrays: If you have Excel 365 or Excel 2019, use dynamic arrays to apply the ratio calculation across multiple rows without needing to drag the formula down.
Custom Formatting: For a more intuitive display, you can create a custom format for your ratio results instead of using text concatenation.
Use of Helper Columns: In complex datasets, use helper columns to calculate intermediate steps, such as identifying the larger and smaller numbers before calculating the ratio. This can improve readability and maintainability of your workbook.