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Proportion vs. Ratio — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Proportion and Ratio

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Definitions

Proportion

A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole
The proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is rising

Ratio

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).

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

Ratio

The quantitative relation between two amounts showing the number of times one value contains or is contained within the other
The ratio of men's jobs to women's is 8 to 1

Proportion

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

Ratio

Relation in degree or number between two similar things.
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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.

Ratio

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

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

(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

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

Ratio

A number representing a comparison between two named things.
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Proportion

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

Ratio

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

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

(legal) ratio decidendi

Proportion

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

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

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

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

Ratio

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

Proportion

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

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

(countable) Proper or equal share.

Ratio

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

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

Ratio

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

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

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