Ratio vs. Proportion: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A ratio is a comparison of two quantities showing the relative sizes, while a proportion states that two ratios are equal.
Key Differences
A ratio is a mathematical expression that compares two numbers or quantities, showing how much of one value exists per unit of the other. Proportion, on the other hand, is a statement that two ratios are equivalent, indicating a constant relationship between two pairs of numbers or quantities.
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Dec 24, 2023
Ratios are expressed as fractions or with a colon, such as 1:2 or 1/2, representing the relationship between two quantities. Proportions are expressed as equations, equating two ratios, like 1/2 = 2/4, indicating that two sets of quantities are in the same ratio.
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Dec 24, 2023
Ratios are used to represent the relative size of two quantities in relation to each other. Proportions, however, are used to show that two ratios are equivalent and often solve for an unknown quantity within equivalent ratios.
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Dec 24, 2023
A ratio is fundamental in understanding the comparative magnitude of two quantities, like comparing the number of apples to oranges. Proportion extends this concept to establish that two different sets of comparisons are equivalent in their ratios.
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Dec 24, 2023
In a recipe, the ratio of flour to sugar might be 2:1. Proportion comes into play when scaling the recipe up or down, ensuring the ingredients maintain the same ratio, such as 4 cups of flour to 2 cups of sugar is proportional to the original ratio.
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Dec 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Comparison of two quantities by division.
Equation stating two ratios are equivalent.
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Dec 24, 2023
Expression
Expressed as a fraction (a/b) or with a colon (a:b).
Expressed as an equation of two ratios (a/b = c/d).
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Dec 24, 2023
Purpose
Shows relative sizes or quantities.
Shows equivalence between two comparative relations.
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Dec 24, 2023
Calculation
Involves dividing one quantity by another.
Involves finding a missing value in equivalent ratios.
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Dec 24, 2023
Real-world Application
Used in recipes, maps, or scale models.
Used in cross-multiplication, scaling recipes, etc.
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Dec 24, 2023
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Ratio and Proportion Definitions
Ratio
A quantitative relationship between two numbers indicating how many times one value contains the other.
The ratio of students to teachers in the school is 20:1.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
A rule stating that if two ratios are equal, their cross products are equal.
The proportion 3/4 = 6/8 was used to solve for an unknown variable.
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Dec 14, 2023
Ratio
A way to compare parts of a whole.
The ratio of water to concentrate in the juice was 3:1.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
A part or amount considered in relation to a whole
What is the proportion of helium in the atmosphere?.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
A measure to express the relative magnitude of two quantities.
The ratio of sugar to flour in the recipe is 1:2.
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Dec 14, 2023
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Proportion
A relationship between things or parts of things with respect to comparative magnitude, quantity, or degree
The proper proportion between oil and vinegar in the dressing.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
A fraction that represents the relationship between two different quantities.
The gear ratio in the machinery is 4:3.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
A relationship between quantities such that if one varies then another varies in a manner dependent on the first
"We do not always find visible happiness in proportion to visible virtue" (Samuel Johnson).
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
The agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole
The statue seems out of proportion.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
The relative value of silver and gold in a currency system that is bimetallic.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
Often proportions Dimensions; size
First measure the proportions of the room.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
(Mathematics) A relationship between two quantities, normally expressed as the quotient of one divided by the other; for example, the ratio of 7 to 4 can be written 7:4 or 7/4. A ratio can often also be expressed as a decimal or percentage.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
(Mathematics) A statement of equality between two ratios. Four quantities, a, b, c, d, are said to be in proportion if a/b = c/d .
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained
Have you proportioned the oil in the dressing properly?.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
(arithmetic) The relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient).
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
To form the parts of with balance or symmetry
The artist proportioned the figure nicely.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
(countable) A quantity of something that is part of the whole amount or number.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
(Internet) The number of comments to a post or other expression on social media relative to the number of likes; a high ratio suggests disagreement with the contents of the original post.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
(uncountable) Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
To respond to a post or message on social media in a greater number than the number of likes the post receives, especially to condemn or mock the original poster.
The politician's post was quickly ratioed due to its controversial nature.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
Indicates disagreement with a post the user disagrees with or dislikes.
L + ratio
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
The relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree.
The proportion of the parts of a building, or of the body
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
The relation which one quantity or magnitude has to another of the same kind. It is expressed by the quotient of the division of the first by the second; thus, the ratio of 3 to 6 is expressed by
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
Hence, fixed relation of number, quantity, or degree; rate; proportion; as, the ratio of representation in Congress.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
The "rule of three", in which three terms are given to find a fourth.
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
The relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient)
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Dec 13, 2023
Ratio
A comparison of the size of two items or quantities.
The ratio of width to height of the screen is 16:9.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
The relation or adaptation of one portion to another, or to the whole, as respect magnitude, quantity, or degree; comparative relation; ratio; as, the proportion of the parts of a building, or of the body.
The image of Christ, made after his own proportion.
Formed in the best proportions of her sex.
Documents are authentic and facts are true precisely in proportion to the support which they afford to his theory.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
Harmonic relation between parts, or between different things of the same kind; symmetrical arrangement or adjustment; symmetry; as, to be out of proportion.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
The portion one receives when a whole is distributed by a rule or principle; equal or proper share; lot.
Let the women . . . do the same things in their proportions and capacities.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
The equality or similarity of ratios, especially of geometrical ratios; or a relation among quantities such that the quotient of the first divided by the second is equal to that of the third divided by the fourth; - called also geometrical proportion, in distinction from arithmetical proportion, or that in which the difference of the first and second is equal to the difference of the third and fourth.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
To adjust in a suitable proportion, as one thing or one part to another; as, to proportion the size of a building to its height; to proportion our expenditures to our income.
In the loss of an object we do not proportion our grief to the real value . . . but to the value our fancies set upon it.
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.
Nature had proportioned her without any fault.
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Proportion
The quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design);
In all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
Give pleasant proportions to;
Harmonize a building with those surrounding it
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Dec 13, 2023
Proportion
A statement that two ratios or fractions are equal.
The proportion of 1/2 to 2/4 shows that they are equivalent fractions.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
A mathematical equation that indicates the equality of two ratios.
The proportion of boys to girls in the class, 3:4, is equal to 9:12.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
An expression of one part in relation to another part, and ultimately to the whole.
The proportion of the ingredients maintained the taste in the doubled recipe.
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Dec 14, 2023
Proportion
A balanced or harmonious arrangement or relation of parts within a whole.
The artist maintained perfect proportion in the composition of the painting.
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Dec 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can ratios be expressed in different forms?
Yes, ratios can be written as fractions, with a colon, or with the word "to."
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Dec 24, 2023
How is a proportion different from a ratio?
A proportion states that two ratios or fractions are equivalent.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 24, 2023
Can ratios compare more than two quantities?
Yes, ratios can compare several quantities, like a 1:2:3 ratio.
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Dec 24, 2023
What is a simple definition of a ratio?
A ratio is a comparison of two quantities by division.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 24, 2023
What does a proportion show in mathematics?
It shows the equality of two ratios or fractions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 24, 2023
Can proportions be used to solve for unknown values?
Yes, proportions can solve for unknowns in equivalent ratios.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 24, 2023
Are proportions used in everyday life?
Yes, in cooking, construction, and various calculations.
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Dec 24, 2023
Can proportions help in scaling recipes?
Yes, they ensure ingredients are increased or decreased equally.
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Dec 24, 2023
Do ratios have units?
Ratios can have units if comparing quantities with units.
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Dec 24, 2023
Is it necessary for ratios to be simplified?
It's often helpful to simplify ratios for easier comparison and understanding.
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Dec 24, 2023
Are ratios only used for numbers?
No, ratios can compare quantities, amounts, or even concepts.
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Dec 24, 2023
How do you find a missing value in a proportion?
By cross-multiplication or equating the products of the means and extremes.
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Dec 24, 2023
Are ratios used in finance?
Yes, in calculations like debt-to-income ratio.
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Dec 24, 2023
How is proportionality related to algebra?
It's used in solving equations and understanding relationships.
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Dec 24, 2023
Is there a visual way to represent proportions?
Yes, using proportion grids or geometric figures.
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Dec 24, 2023
Can ratios be converted to percentages?
Yes, by dividing the first number by the second and multiplying by 100.
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Dec 24, 2023
Can proportions be graphed?
Yes, they can be represented on a graph as equivalent ratios.
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Dec 24, 2023
Can ratios be decimals?
Yes, ratios can be expressed as decimals or fractions.
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Dec 24, 2023
Is a proportion a type of equation?
Yes, a proportion is an equation that equates two ratios.
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Dec 24, 2023
How does a ratio differ from a rate?
A rate is a specific type of ratio with different units.
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Dec 24, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
