What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proportion
Example
The proportion of men to women in the class is roughly equal. [proportion: noun]
Example
We need to adjust the proportion of ingredients in the recipe. [proportion: verb]
fraction
Example
She ate only a fraction of her sandwich. [fraction: noun]
Example
Three-fourths can be written as the fraction 3/4. [fraction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fraction is more commonly used than proportion in everyday language, especially in mathematical and scientific contexts. Proportion is more commonly used in specific fields such as statistics, design, and art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proportion and fraction?
Both proportion and fraction are formal words, but fraction is more technical and specific to mathematical and scientific contexts.
