Difference Wiki

Ratio vs. Proportion

The main difference between ratio and proportion is that ratio defined as the comparison of sizes of two quantities of the same unit and proportion refers to the equality of two ratios.

Key Differences

The ratio represented by Colon (:) sign between the quantities compared. In contrast, the proportion denoted by Double Colon (::) or Equal to (=) sign, between the ratios under comparison.
The ratio stands for the quantitative relationship between the two categories. Conversely in proportion, which shows the quantitative association of a category with the total.
The ratio defined as the contrast of sizes of two quantities of the like unit. Proportion, on the other hand, ascribes to the equality of two ratios.
The ratio is an expression on the other hand proportion is an equation which can be solved.
In a given problem, you can recognize whether they are in ratio or proportion, with the help of keywords they use, i.e. ‘to every’ in ratio and ‘out of’ in the case of proportion.
Aimie Carlson
Jun 01, 2019

Comparison Chart

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Ratio relates to the comparison of two values of the same unit.
When two ratios are set equal, it called as a proportion.
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Represents

The quantitative relationship between the two orders.
Quantitative relationship of an order and the total.

What is it?

Ratio is an expression
Proportion is an equation.

Nature

Ratio as a certain number of parts, e.g., three parts to one part.
Proportion as the same value of increase or decrease, e.g., doubles, half.
Harlon Moss
Jun 01, 2019

Denoted by

Colon (:) sign
Double Colon (::) or Equal to (=) sign

Keyword

'To every.'
'Out of.'
Samantha Walker
Jun 01, 2019

Ratio and Proportion Definitions

Ratio

Relation in degree or number between two similar things.
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Proportion

A part or amount considered in relation to a whole
What is the proportion of helium in the atmosphere?.

Ratio

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

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.

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.

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).

Ratio

A number representing a comparison between two named things.
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Proportion

The agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole
The statue seems out of proportion.

Ratio

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

Proportion

Often proportions Dimensions; size
First measure the proportions of the room.

Ratio

(legal) ratio decidendi

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 .

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.

Proportion

To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained
Have you proportioned the oil in the dressing properly?.

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.

Proportion

To form the parts of with balance or symmetry
The artist proportioned the figure nicely.

Ratio

Indicates disagreement with a post the user disagrees with or dislikes.
L + ratio

Proportion

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

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

Proportion

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

Ratio

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

Proportion

(countable) Proper or equal share.

Ratio

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

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

Proportion

A statement of equality between two ratios.

Proportion

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

Proportion

Size.

Proportion

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

Proportion

(transitive) To form symmetrically.

Proportion

To set or render in proportion.

Proportion

To correspond to.

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.

Proportion

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

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.

Proportion

A part considered comparatively; a share.

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.

Proportion

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

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.

Proportion

To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.
Nature had proportioned her without any fault.

Proportion

To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.

Proportion

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

Proportion

Magnitude or extent;
A building of vast proportions

Proportion

Balance among the parts of something

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

Proportion

Give pleasant proportions to;
Harmonize a building with those surrounding it

Proportion

Adjust in size relative to other things

Ratio vs. Proportion

The ratio is the related size of two quantities expressing as the factor of one divided by the another; the ratio of a to b is in written form as a:b or a/b whereas proportion is an equality between two ratios. Ratio defines the quantitative relationship between two amounts, represented the number of time one value includes the other. Conversely, the proportion is that part that explains the comparative relation with the entire part.

What is the Ratio?

A ratio is a relationship among two numbers signifying how many times the first number contains the second. It can be considered as a mode of comparing numbers by division. In a ratio of two numbers, the first value termed the ancient and the second number is the consequent. You can compare parts with parts or parts with the whole. A ratio is a numerical comparing of two or more quantities. It offers more information than simply saying The numbers in a ratio may be quantitative of any kind, such as numbers of persons or objects, or such as measurements of lengths, weights, time, etc. Ratios can be shown in various ways such that using the “:” to individual example values, using the “/” to individual one valuation from the total. Ratio as a decimal, after dividing one valuation by the total, and also as a percentage, after dividing one valuation by the total. In most contexts, both numbers restrained from being positive. It states that a ratio of two numbers exists when there is a multiple of each that exceeds the other. The standards so far have been “part-to-part” (comparing one part to another part). But a ratio can also show apart compared to the whole lot. It is express in its simplest form. The two numbers under comparison are called the terms of ratio, where the first term is antecedent and the second term is consequent. There are few points to remember about the ratio, which referred to as under:

  • Both precursor and consequent can be multiplied by an identical number. The number should be non-zero.
  • The order of the condition is significant.
  • The presence of ratio is only between the quantities of the same kind.
  • The unit of the quantities under comparability should also be the same.
  • Comparison of two ratios can only be made if they are in equivalent like the fraction.

What is the Proportion?

Proportion is a mathematical equating within two numerals. A proportion is two ratios that are equivalent to each other. Often, these numbers can illustrate a comparison between things or people. You can compose mathematical proportions in two ways. You can compare the numerals with colons, or you can write the proportion in the form of equivalent fractions. Proportion tells us about a portion or part about a whole. Many calculations can be solved by using proportions to show the relationships between the numbers. It refers to some kind over the total. When two sets of numbers, an increase or decrease in the same ratio, they are said that is directly proportional to each other. Four numbers p, q, r, s are taken out to be in proportion if p : q = r : s, therefore p/q = r/s, i.e. ps = qr (by cross multiplication law). Here p, q, r, s have named the terms of proportion, with which p is the first condition, q is the second condition, r is the third condition, and s is the fourth condition. The first and fourth condition called extremes while the second and third condition is called means, i.e., middle term. Further, if there are three quantitative in continuous proportion, then the second quantity is the mean proportional between the first and third quantity. There are various ways to tell if two ratios form a proportion.

  • Check to see if the similar scale factor used on top and bottom.
  • Strive and simplify one or both of the ratios.
  • Cross products: Multiply the numbers that are diagonal to each other. If the products are equal, the two ratios form a proportion.

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