Ratios: meaning, definitions and examples

There seems to be a repetition. 'Ratios' is best for comparing quantities.

• The gear ratio of this bicycle is 4:1.
• She adjusted the ratio to make the solution less concentrated.

Use 'proportions' when indicating the relationship of parts to the whole, often to describe how quantities are distributed. Proportions can be used in statistics, design, and cooking.

• The proportion of women in the workforce has increased.
• In this painting, the proportions of the figures are very balanced.

Use 'percentages' when expressing a proportion per hundred. Percentages are commonly used in statistics, finance, and data analysis to convey increases, decreases, or distribution.

• The interest rate is 5%.
• 70% of the students passed the exam.

Use 'fractions' when referring to parts of a whole number. They are often used in mathematics and everyday situations where you need to divide something into equal parts.

• She ate 1/4 of the cake.
• The fraction 3/5 represents three parts out of a total of five parts.

Used to compare two quantities showing the relative size of one compared to the other.

• The ratio of students to teachers in the school is 20:1
• The mix should be in a 3:1 ratio of sugar to salt

Used to describe the relative size or scale of elements within a whole, often in art, design, and statistical data.

• The proportion of adults to children in the park is about 3:1
• Ensuring the correct proportions of ingredients is key to the recipe

Used to describe the size, length, or amount of something, typically using standard units.

• The measurements of the room are 5 meters by 6 meters
• Accurate measurements are crucial for successful baking

Used to describe a proportion in terms of parts per hundred; often used in statistical data and finance.

• 50% of the class passed the exam
• The company aims for a 20% increase in sales this year