Proportion vs. Ratio — What's the Difference?

Used to compare quantities of the same kind.

Can be cross-multiplied to find missing values.

A relationship between two numbers indicating how many times the first number contains the second.

A statement that two ratios are equal.

Expressed in various formats.

Reflects geometric similarity and scaling.

Reflects parts of a whole or comparative data.

Used in solving for unknown quantities.

Can be simplified like fractions.

Applies in predictive analysis.

A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole

In mathematics, a ratio indicates how many times one number contains another. For example, if there are eight oranges and six lemons in a bowl of fruit, then the ratio of oranges to lemons is eight to six (that is, 8∶6, which is equivalent to the ratio 4∶3).

Adjust or regulate (something) so that it has a particular or suitable relationship to something else

The quantitative relation between two amounts showing the number of times one value contains or is contained within the other

A part or amount considered in relation to a whole

Relation in degree or number between two similar things.

A relationship between things or parts of things with respect to comparative magnitude, quantity, or degree

The relative value of silver and gold in a currency system that is bimetallic.

A relationship between quantities such that if one varies then another varies in a manner dependent on the first

(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.

The agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole

A number representing a comparison between two named things.

Often proportions Dimensions; size

(arithmetic) The relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient).

(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 .

(legal) ratio decidendi

To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained

(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.

To form the parts of with balance or symmetry

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.

(countable) A quantity of something that is part of the whole amount or number.

Indicates disagreement with a post the user disagrees with or dislikes.

(uncountable) Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole.

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

(countable) Proper or equal share.

Hence, fixed relation of number, quantity, or degree; rate; proportion; as, the ratio of representation in Congress.

The relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree.

The relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient)

A statement of equality between two ratios.

The "rule of three", in which three terms are given to find a fourth.

Size.

(transitive) To divide into proper shares; to apportion.

(transitive) To form symmetrically.

To set or render in proportion.

To correspond to.

Harmonic relation between parts, or between different things of the same kind; symmetrical arrangement or adjustment; symmetry; as, to be out of proportion.

The portion one receives when a whole is distributed by a rule or principle; equal or proper share; lot.

A part considered comparatively; a share.

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.

The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional.

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.

To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.

To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.

The quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

Magnitude or extent;

Balance among the parts of something

Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design);

Give pleasant proportions to;

Adjust in size relative to other things

A proportion states that two ratios are equal, representing an equivalence between two comparisons.

An example of a ratio is the comparison of the number of apples to oranges in a basket, such as 3 apples to 2 oranges, or 3:2.

Ratios are important for comparing quantities, making informed decisions, and solving problems in various contexts, including cooking, finance, and science.

A proportion can be expressed as two ratios being equal, such as 1:2 = 3:6.

A ratio is a way to compare two quantities by showing how many times one value contains or is contained within the other.

A proportion can be solved using cross-multiplication, where you multiply the extremes and means and then solve for the unknown.

Yes, by stating that one ratio is equivalent to another, you can form a proportion to solve for unknown values.

Cross-multiplication is a method to solve proportions by finding the product of the extremes and the means, useful for solving for unknown variables.

Proportions are used to solve for unknown quantities, understand geometric similarity, and apply scaling in problems.

While primarily a mathematical concept, proportions have applications in real-world scenarios, including art, architecture, and science.

It means that the relationship between the first set of quantities is equivalent to the relationship between the second set.

You can find a missing value by cross-multiplying the known values of the proportion and solving for the unknown.

Yes, ratios are expressed as a comparison between two quantities, while proportions indicate that two ratios are equivalent.

Proportions are used in recipes, construction, determining distances on maps, and anywhere that scaling is necessary.

Yes, proportions are essential in understanding the relationships between similar geometric figures, such as triangles, by comparing their corresponding sides.