Solving Scaling Problems with Ratio for 11+ Maths
19 October 2026
What are ratio scaling problems
Ratio scaling problems ask children to use ratios to increase or decrease quantities. These questions are common in 11+ maths, especially in GL and CEM style papers. Children may need to scale a recipe, share money, or work out how much of each ingredient is needed for a different number of people.
Why ratio scaling matters in 11+
Solving ratio scaling problems helps children understand proportional reasoning. This skill is important not just for exams, but for real-life situations like sharing, recipes, and comparing quantities. Practising these problems builds confidence and accuracy.
Step-by-step method for scaling with ratios
1. Identify the original ratio and quantities.
2. Work out the total number of parts in the ratio.
3. Find the value of one part (if needed).
4. Multiply or divide each part by the scaling factor to find the new amounts.
5. Double-check your answers make sense in the context of the question.
Worked example
A recipe for 4 people uses flour and sugar in the ratio 3:2. How much of each is needed for 12 people if the original recipe uses 300g flour?
- Step 1: The scaling factor is 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
- Step 2: Multiply each ingredient by 3.
- Flour: 300g × 3 = 900g.
- Sugar: The original sugar is (300g ÷ 3) × 2 = 200g. Then 200g × 3 = 600g.
Key insight: Always reduce the problem to one part
Whether you are given a total, one share, or a difference, find the value of one part first. This unlocks the rest of the problem and helps avoid mistakes.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Mixing up the scaling factor (check if you should multiply or divide)
- Forgetting to apply the ratio to all parts
- Not checking units (grams, litres, people)
Encourage your child to work step-by-step and check their answers.
Supporting your child with EEZY BREEZY MATHS
Our scaling problems with ratio package provides interactive practice, clear explanations, and instant feedback. Practising these questions helps children gain confidence and master ratio scaling for the 11+.
