11+ Maths: Ratio Solving & Scaling Questions (GL & CEM style)
21 October 2026
Why ratio and scaling matters
Ratio solving and scaling questions are a key part of the 11+ Maths exam, especially in GL and CEM style papers.
These questions test your child's ability to compare quantities, scale amounts up or down, and solve real-life word problems.
Mastering these skills helps children approach exam questions with confidence.
How to approach ratio and scaling
Start by helping your child understand what a ratio shows: it compares two or more quantities using parts.
When scaling, children need to find how much bigger or smaller one set is compared to another, and use that to adjust all parts of the ratio.
Encourage your child to write each step clearly and check their work as they go.
Worked example
A recipe uses flour and sugar in the ratio 3:2. If you want to make a bigger batch using 18 cups of flour, how much sugar is needed?
First, write the ratio: flour: sugar = 3: 2.
Find the scale factor. The original recipe uses 3 parts flour. The new recipe uses 18 cups, so the scale factor is 18 ÷ 3 = 6.
Multiply the sugar part by the scale factor: 2 × 6 = 12.
The correct answer is 12 cups of sugar.
Key insight:
Encourage your child to look for the scale factor first. This helps them adjust all parts of the ratio accurately, whether scaling up or down.
Building confidence through practice
Regularly practising ratio and scaling questions helps children become familiar with the steps and spot common patterns.
With steady practice, your child will feel more confident tackling these questions on exam day.
