Proportion vs. Balance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Proportion refers to the relative size or amount of parts within a whole, while balance is the state of equal distribution or equilibrium.
Difference Between Proportion and Balance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Proportion relates to the comparative relationship of elements, ensuring parts of a design fit together well. Balance is the even distribution of weight, ensuring stability.
While proportion often deals with the visual aspects, such as in art and design, balance can be physical, as in weight, or abstract, like in work-life equilibrium.
Proportion requires a reference to other elements for it to be determined, suggesting a harmony of parts. Balance can be a standalone concept, meaning stability within itself or a system.
An artist may pay attention to the proportion of figures in a painting to achieve aesthetic harmony. A tightrope walker must maintain balance to prevent falling.
Proportion can influence the perception of whether something is pleasing or not. Balance, conversely, often conveys a sense of calm and order, be it in visual, physical, or metaphorical forms.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Relative size or scale among elements.
State of stability or equilibrium.
Application
Art, design, mathematics.
Physics, finance, life management.
Principle
Harmony and aesthetics.
Stability and equity.
Visual Impact
Can affect compositional aesthetics.
Can create visual calmness.
Necessity
Essential for pleasing design.
Required for functional stability.
Compare with Definitions
Proportion
Comparative relation between things.
The proportion of windows to wall space was carefully calculated.
Balance
The power to remain steady and not fall.
She kept her balance on the icy path.
Proportion
A part considered in relation to the whole.
A small proportion of the budget was allocated to marketing.
Balance
See Libra.
Proportion
The proper or harmonious relation of parts.
The sculpture had perfect proportions.
Balance
A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless. Also called scale.
Proportion
A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole
The proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is rising
Balance
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
Proportion
Adjust or regulate (something) so that it has a particular or suitable relationship to something else
A life after death in which happiness can be proportioned to virtue
Balance
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
Proportion
A part or amount considered in relation to a whole
What is the proportion of helium in the atmosphere?.
Balance
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
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.
Balance
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
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).
Balance
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
Proportion
The agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole
The statue seems out of proportion.
Balance
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
Proportion
Often proportions Dimensions; size
First measure the proportions of the room.
Balance
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
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 .
Balance
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
Proportion
To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained
Have you proportioned the oil in the dressing properly?.
Balance
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Proportion
To form the parts of with balance or symmetry
The artist proportioned the figure nicely.
Balance
Something that is left over; a remainder.
Proportion
(countable) A quantity of something that is part of the whole amount or number.
Balance
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
Proportion
(uncountable) Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole.
Balance
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
Proportion
(countable) Proper or equal share.
Balance
A balance wheel.
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
Balance
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
Proportion
A statement of equality between two ratios.
Balance
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
Proportion
The "rule of three", in which three terms are given to find a fourth.
Balance
To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
Proportion
Size.
Balance
To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
Proportion
(transitive) To divide into proper shares; to apportion.
Balance
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
Proportion
(transitive) To form symmetrically.
Balance
To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
Proportion
To set or render in proportion.
Balance
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
Proportion
To correspond to.
Balance
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
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.
Balance
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
Proportion
Harmonic relation between parts, or between different things of the same kind; symmetrical arrangement or adjustment; symmetry; as, to be out of proportion.
Balance
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
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.
Balance
To be in or come into equilibrium.
Proportion
A part considered comparatively; a share.
Balance
To be equal or equivalent.
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.
Balance
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
Proportion
The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional.
Balance
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
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.
Balance
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Proportion
To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.
Nature had proportioned her without any fault.
Balance
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Proportion
To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.
Balance
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah
Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
Proportion
The quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
Balance
A pair of scales.
Proportion
Magnitude or extent;
A building of vast proportions
Balance
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
Proportion
Balance among the parts of something
Balance
(uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
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
Balance
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
Proportion
Give pleasant proportions to;
Harmonize a building with those surrounding it
Balance
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Proportion
Adjust in size relative to other things
Balance
(accounting) The result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
Proportion
A rule of size used for making things.
The architect used classical proportions for the new building.
Balance
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
Proportion
Mathematical ratio.
Her income and expenses were in proportion.
Balance
The remainder.
The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
The invoice said he had only paid $50. The balance was $220.
Balance
Libra.
Balance
(transitive) To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
Balance
To make (concepts) agree.
Balance
(transitive) To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
Balance
(transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
To balance partners
Balance
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To balance the boom mainsail
Balance
(transitive) To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
To balance a set of books
Balance
(intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
Balance
(intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.
Balance
To weigh in a balance.
Balance
To hesitate or fluctuate.
Balance
An apparatus for weighing.
Balance
Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
Balance
Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
Balance
The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.
And hung a bottle on each sideTo make his balance true.
The order and balance of the country were destroyed.
English workmen completely lose their balance.
Balance
An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; - also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.
I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text.
Balance
A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
Balance
The constellation Libra.
Balance
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
Balance
To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.
Balance
To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
Balance
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things.
Balance
To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.
I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
Balance
To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; - said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.
Balance
To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
Balance
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
Balance
To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.
Balance
To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.
He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice.
Balance
To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
Balance
A state of equilibrium
Balance
A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Balance
Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
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
Balance
Equality of distribution
Balance
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
Balance
The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
Balance
The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
Balance
(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
Balance
An equivalent counterbalancing weight
Balance
A wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
Balance
Bring into balance or equilibrium;
She has to balance work and her domestic duties
Balance the two weights
Balance
Compute credits and debits of an account
Balance
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Balance
Be in equilibrium;
He was balancing on one foot
Balance
An even distribution of weight.
He lost his balance and stumbled.
Balance
The ability to maintain equilibrium.
Balance is key in gymnastics.
Balance
A condition in which different elements are equal.
The balance of nature is delicate.
Balance
Equality between the totals of the two sides of an account.
He struggled to keep his checkbook in balance.
Common Curiosities
How do you achieve balance in a room?
You can achieve balance in a room by evenly distributing visual weight across the space through furniture arrangement and decor.
Is balance always symmetrical?
Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical; it's about equal visual or physical weight, not necessarily mirror-image symmetry.
Is balance more than just physical?
Balance extends beyond physical to include financial, emotional, and work-life aspects.
How is proportion used in everyday life?
Proportion is used in everyday life in cooking (recipe ratios), budgeting (income vs. expenses), and even socializing (time spent with each friend).
Why is proportion important in design?
Proportion ensures that each part of a design relates harmoniously to others, affecting the aesthetic and functionality.
Can balance be emotional?
Yes, emotional balance refers to the ability to maintain stability in feelings and mood.
Can you have good proportion without balance?
Yes, it's possible to have good proportion with elements well-related in size, even if the overall balance is off.
What does proportion mean in art?
In art, proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a composition.
Does proportion relate to quantity?
Proportion can relate to quantity when it involves the ratio or fraction of one part to another.
Do balance and symmetry always go hand in hand?
No, while symmetry can lead to balance, an asymmetrical design can also be balanced through the strategic placement of elements.
What is an example of balance in nature?
An example of balance in nature is the predator-prey relationship that maintains ecosystem equilibrium.
How do scales measure balance?
Scales measure balance by comparing the weight of objects to ensure they are equal or at equilibrium.
Is a sense of balance innate?
A sense of physical balance is partly innate but can be improved through practice and
Can proportion affect perception?
Yes, disproportionate elements can make objects or designs seem awkward or unappealing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
