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
The recipe calls for a proportion of 2 cups of flour to 1 cup of sugar. [proportion: noun]
ratio
Example
The ratio of boys to girls in the class is 3:2. [ratio: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for a ratio of 2 parts flour to 1 part sugar. [ratio: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ratio is more commonly used than proportion in everyday language. Ratio is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while proportion is more specific and is commonly used in fields such as finance, economics, and demographics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proportion and ratio?
Both proportion and ratio are formal terms that are commonly used in academic and technical writing. However, proportion is often associated with social sciences, while ratio is more commonly used in mathematics and science.
