# Ratio Comparison

This is one of the most important calculations and is very extensively sought after in DI. On an average, while performing 100 odd calculations in DI, atleast 8-10 calculations will be on comparing the ratios. Normally there are two methods for comparing two or more than two ratios:

# Cross Multiplication Method

This is one of the conventional methods of comparing two ratios.

Example
15 Let us compare 11/15 and 13/18.

Solution
Cross multiplying the numerator of the 1st fraction with the denominator of the 2nd fraction and denominator of the 1st fraction with the numerator of the 2nd fraction,

Since, 198 is greater than 195; so the 1st fraction (11/15) is greater than the 2nd fraction (13/18).

# Decimal Calculation Method

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Obviously, here the 1st fraction  is greater than the 2nd fraction .

However, if we have to compare 3156/5438 and 3423/5822, then using any of the above two methods becomes cumbersome and a good amount of time will be required.

Here, we will compare ratios with the help of percentage.

# Percentage Comparison Method

Let us first understand this with the help of the following ratios:

1st Case

2nd Case

3rd Case

In the 1st case, percentage change in numerator (100%â†‘) = percentage change in denominator (100%â†‘), So ratios are equal.

In the 2nd case, percentage change in the numerator (200%â†‘) > percentage change in the denominator(100%â†‘). So the 2nd ratio is greater than the 1st ratio.

In the 3rd case, percentage change in the numerator (200%â†‘) < percentage change in the denominator (300%â†‘). So the 1st ratio is greater than the 2nd ratio.

This particular example can also be seen as a general rule for determining the order of ratios.

Besides these general calculation techniques, there are certain techniques specific to particular types of data presentation formats: