How To Calculate Population Ratios

A ratio shows the proportional relationship of one number to another. They are used for various purposes, including financial and statistical analysis. A ratio can be expressed as a fraction with one number in the numerator (above the line) and the other in the denominator (below the line), as an expression of the type "2:1" or as a statement like "2 to 1." A population ratio shows the relationship of one population subgroup to another or a subgroup to the entire population.

Step 1

Determine the size of the first population group. For example, assume there are 10,000 Asians in the total population.

Step 2

Determine the size of the second population group. For example, assume there are 20,000 Hispanics in the total population.

Step 3

Divide the Hispanic population, 20,000, by the Asian population, 10,000, to find the ratio of Hispanics to Asians: 20,000 divided by 10,000 is 2 to 1 — there are two Hispanics to every Asian.