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
This ratio has been favoring offense since August 2024, providing a clear sign of optimism for the US economic growth.
—
David Keller, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Revolving credit includes credit cards and lines of credit, and this ratio is the second most important factor in determining your credit score, after payment history.
—José Omar Rodríguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
Going into the event, Portugal had 162 restaurants recognized by Michelin, including 8 with two stars, 31 with one star, 30 listed as Bib Gourmand (restaurants with an outstanding ratio between quality and price) and 93 more listed in the guide.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Of the 10 largest U.S. cities, Chicago’s debt ratio — total debt as a percentage of total liabilities — is second-worst at $156%, trailing only New York’s.
—Dana Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ratio
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David Keller, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Revolving credit includes credit cards and lines of credit, and this ratio is the second most important factor in determining your credit score, after payment history.
—José Omar Rodríguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
Going into the event, Portugal had 162 restaurants recognized by Michelin, including 8 with two stars, 31 with one star, 30 listed as Bib Gourmand (restaurants with an outstanding ratio between quality and price) and 93 more listed in the guide.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Of the 10 largest U.S. cities, Chicago’s debt ratio — total debt as a percentage of total liabilities — is second-worst at $156%, trailing only New York’s.
—Dana Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ratio
Articles Related to ratio
Cite this Entry
“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 3 Mar. 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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