How to Use the Similar Figures Side Ratio Calculator
Two figures are similar when they have the same shape but different sizes, meaning every pair of matching sides shares the same ratio. This calculator takes one matching pair of side lengths from two similar figures to find that similarity ratio, then, given another side length from figure A, automatically calculates its matching side in figure B.
The similarity ratio is figure B's side divided by figure A's matching side (BรทA). Since similar figures keep this exact ratio across every matching pair, multiplying any other side of figure A by that ratio gives the matching side of figure B. Beyond side lengths, the area ratio equals the similarity ratio squared and the volume ratio equals it cubed โ because when every length scales by a factor of n, area scales by nยฒ and volume scales by nยณ.
All side lengths must be greater than 0, and the two sides you enter must genuinely correspond to each other for the similarity ratio to be accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Area is a two-dimensional quantity (like length ร width), so the ratio gets multiplied by itself twice (squared). Volume is three-dimensional, so the ratio gets multiplied by itself three times (cubed).
You'll get an incorrect result. Similarity ratios only work when you compare sides in matching positions โ check that the sides sit next to the same corresponding angle in each figure before entering them.