Proportion vs. Balance: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Proportion refers to the relative size or amount of one part to another, while Balance denotes equilibrium or equal distribution.
Key Differences
Proportion often deals with the relative size, quantity, or degree of something in relation to another. In art, for instance, getting the proportions right means ensuring that each part of a painting or sculpture is in correct relation to the others. Balance, on the other hand, implies stability achieved by equal distribution of weight, value, or importance. In that same painting, balance might be about distributing colors or elements so no part overwhelms another.
Proportion can be numerical, often represented as a ratio or fraction. For instance, in a recipe, the proportion of sugar to flour might be crucial for a cake's success. Balance, conversely, might be felt rather than measured, as when we say a meal feels balanced because it has just the right mix of flavors and nutrients.
In design, Proportion ensures elements fit together harmoniously in terms of size and space, ensuring that no one aspect overshadows the others. Balance, meanwhile, ensures that the design feels stable and grounded, which might involve symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements.
Proportion can exist without balance and vice versa. A sculpture might have all its elements in correct proportion, yet feel off-balance if its weight distribution isn't centralized. Conversely, a meal can be balanced in flavors but have disproportionate amounts of ingredients.
Balance can also relate to mental or emotional states, signifying harmony and steadiness. One might seek balance in life, ensuring work, play, rest, and relationships are all given due attention. Proportion, while less frequently used in this context, might apply to how much time or energy one dedicates to various life aspects, highlighting the relational aspect more than equilibrium.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Relative size or amount of parts compared to a whole or another part.
Equilibrium or equal distribution.
Application
Often numerical, like a ratio.
Felt or perceived, like equilibrium in a design.
Contexts
Art, design, mathematics, recipes.
Design, meals, mental states, life choices.
Existence
Can exist without balance.
Can exist without proportion.
Implied Stability
Doesn't necessarily imply stability.
Typically implies stability or harmony.
ADVERTISEMENT
Proportion and Balance Definitions
Proportion
A specified amount or share.
She received a large proportion of the inheritance.
Balance
Stability produced by even distribution of weight.
The vase had a wide base to provide better balance.
Proportion
A part or amount considered in relation to a whole
What is the proportion of helium in the atmosphere?.
Balance
The amount left over after making calculations.
My bank account balance is lower than I thought.
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
A counteracting weight or force.
He used the weights to balance the scales.
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
Mental or emotional steadiness.
She found balance in her life through meditation.
Proportion
The agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole
The statue seems out of proportion.
Balance
See Libra.
Proportion
Often proportions Dimensions; size
First measure the proportions of the room.
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
(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
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
Proportion
To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained
Have you proportioned the oil in the dressing properly?.
Balance
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
Proportion
To form the parts of with balance or symmetry
The artist proportioned the figure nicely.
Balance
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
Proportion
(countable) A quantity of something that is part of the whole amount or number.
Balance
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
Proportion
(uncountable) Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole.
Balance
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
Proportion
(countable) Proper or equal share.
Balance
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
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
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
Proportion
A statement of equality between two ratios.
Balance
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
Proportion
The "rule of three", in which three terms are given to find a fourth.
Balance
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Proportion
Size.
Balance
Something that is left over; a remainder.
Proportion
(transitive) To divide into proper shares; to apportion.
Balance
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
Proportion
(transitive) To form symmetrically.
Balance
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
Proportion
To set or render in proportion.
Balance
A balance wheel.
Proportion
To correspond to.
Balance
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
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
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
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 bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
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 act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
Proportion
A part considered comparatively; a share.
Balance
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
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 reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
Proportion
The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional.
Balance
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
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
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
Proportion
To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.
Nature had proportioned her without any fault.
Balance
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
Proportion
To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.
Balance
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
Proportion
The quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
Balance
To be in or come into equilibrium.
Proportion
Magnitude or extent;
A building of vast proportions
Balance
To be equal or equivalent.
Proportion
Balance among the parts of something
Balance
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
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
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
Proportion
Give pleasant proportions to;
Harmonize a building with those surrounding it
Balance
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Proportion
Adjust in size relative to other things
Balance
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Proportion
Relative size or amount of one part compared to another.
The proportion of water to lemon juice made the lemonade just right.
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
A part in relation to the whole.
The proportion of students attending the seminar was high.
Balance
A pair of scales.
Proportion
Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts.
The house's rooms had a nice proportion to each other.
Balance
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
Proportion
The correct or appropriate relationship between parts.
The dress was tailored in proportion to her figure.
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.
Balance
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
Balance
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
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.
Balance
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
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
A state of equilibrium or equal distribution.
The gymnast maintained her balance on the beam.
FAQs
Can you have correct Proportions but no Balance in art?
Yes, elements can be in proportion but still feel off-balance.
Is Balance about equality?
Often, but it can also be about harmony or stability.
Is Balance important in diet?
Yes, ensuring a mix of nutrients and flavors.
Can Proportion relate to fairness?
Yes, when talking about one's fair share or amount.
Can Proportion be measured?
Yes, often as a ratio or fraction.
Is Balance always physical?
No, it can refer to mental or emotional equilibrium too.
Can a room's design have Proportion?
Yes, if its elements relate harmoniously in size and space.
Is Balance always symmetrical in design?
No, asymmetrical designs can also be balanced.
Is Balance crucial in physical activities?
Often, like in gymnastics or dancing.
Are Proportions always visible?
Not always, they can be about amounts in a mixture or recipe.
Can Balance relate to finances?
Yes, like the balance in an account.
Can you proportion ingredients in a recipe?
Yes, to get the desired taste or outcome.
Is achieving Balance in life easy?
It can be challenging, requiring attention and adjustments.
Can Proportions be aesthetically pleasing?
Yes, often in art and design, correct proportions are sought for harmony.
How does Proportion affect aesthetics?
Correct proportions can make designs or artworks feel harmonious.
Is Balance about opposites?
Sometimes, as in balancing opposing forces or ideas.
Can one find Balance in life choices?
Yes, by giving due attention to different aspects of life.
Can Balance relate to moderation?
Yes, not going to extremes and maintaining equilibrium.
Does Proportion always involve two things?
No, it can relate multiple parts to a whole or each other.
Are Proportions fixed?
Not always, they can vary based on preference or context.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
