What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ratios
Example
The ratio of boys to girls in the class is 2:3. [ratio: noun]
Example
We need to maintain a ratio of 1:4 bleach to water for cleaning. [ratio: noun]
proportion
Example
The proportion of red to blue in the painting is 2:3. [proportion: noun]
Example
We need to maintain a proportion of 1:10 for the mixture to work. [proportion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ratios are more commonly used than proportions in everyday language, especially in fields such as finance and science. However, proportions are more commonly used in statistics and geometry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ratios and proportion?
Both ratios and proportions are formal terms that are commonly used in academic and professional settings. However, ratios may be more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
