ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-shē-ˌō 
-(ˌ)shō
plural ratios
1
a
: 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
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
Instead, use a solution with a ratio of one-part vinegar to four-parts water.
—
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
Still, the popular musical was at a healthy attendance/capacity ratio of 96% last week, though average ticket price was off more than $20 to $96.02.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 July 2025
The researchers arrived at this conclusion by studying the abundance and distribution of phosphate minerals in the ice grains within the plumes, in particular the ratio of mono-hydrogen phosphate (HPO4) to regular phosphate (PO4), which is a direct indicator of the pH level of the water.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 July 2025
The association recommends ways to vet a camp's reliability, including ensuring over 40% of the staff returns every year and there's the right ratio of counselors to campers by age group.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ratio
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Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
Still, the popular musical was at a healthy attendance/capacity ratio of 96% last week, though average ticket price was off more than $20 to $96.02.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 July 2025
The researchers arrived at this conclusion by studying the abundance and distribution of phosphate minerals in the ice grains within the plumes, in particular the ratio of mono-hydrogen phosphate (HPO4) to regular phosphate (PO4), which is a direct indicator of the pH level of the water.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 July 2025
The association recommends ways to vet a camp's reliability, including ensuring over 40% of the staff returns every year and there's the right ratio of counselors to campers by age group.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ratio
Cite this Entry
“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-shō
-shē-ˌō
plural ratios
1
: the quotient of two numbers or mathematical expressions
the ratio of 6 to 3 may be expressed as 6:3, ⁶⁄₃, and 2
2
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things
women outnumbered men in the ratio of three to one
Medical Definition
ratio
noun
ra·tio
ˈrā-(ˌ)shō, -shē-ˌō
plural ratios
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things see sex ratio
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