ratio

noun

ra·tio | \ ˈrā-(ˌ)shō

, -shē-ˌō\

plural ratios

Definition of ratio

1a : the indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions

b : the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things : proportion

2 : the expression of the relative values of gold and silver as determined by a country's currency laws

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about ratio

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of ratio in a Sentence

What is the length-to-width ratio? the ratio of students to teachers in the school is nine to one

Recent Examples on the Web

Interest in the pay ratios among investors has been fairly limited. — The Economist, "American firms reveal the gulf between bosses’ and workers’ pay," 26 May 2018 Only a miracle worker or a central banker could have hastened a reduction in the nonperforming-loan ratio to 9.7% from 16.8% in late 2015 without far more drastic government intervention than Rome has managed. — Joseph C. Sternberg, WSJ, "Italy’s ‘Doom Loops,’ Imagined and Real," 3 Jan. 2019 The country’s military provides a steady stream of veterans for one of the world’s leading cybersecurity industries, helping Israel produce a venture capital per capita ratio that is more than twice that of the U.S.’s. — Felicia Schwartz, WSJ, "What’s the Hot Device in Startup Nation? The Fax Machine," 21 Feb. 2019 The standout features of these shovels are the telescoping shaft and the low-profile blade, which provides outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "Here's the Only Shovel You'll Ever Need," 1 Feb. 2019 Scientists can determine migration patterns by measuring strontium isotope ratios in tooth enamel, which forms in early childhood. — Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, "When Farmers and Foragers First Met," 24 Oct. 2018 The 50/50 kale to bread ratio makes this seasonal dish a winner. — Anna Helm Baxter, Good Housekeeping, "Roasted Squash Panzanella," 24 Oct. 2018 And while there's something to be said about big city living, downsizing sure has its perks—think local boutiques, tons of outdoor activities, and restaurant-to-people ratios that lean way in your favor. — Condé Nast Traveler, "The Most Beautiful Towns in America," 21 Sep. 2018 The student to instructor ratio is 4 to 1 or better with extensive small group and individual skills instruction. — Alvaro Montano, Houston Chronicle, "Planet Hockey offers young players chance to improve skill set at Willowbrook camp," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ratio.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.