How do I report a ratio?

Question

I want to report a ratio in my thesis. The ratio is 16:84, but I also want tot report which number represents which class. Can I report that like this:

The data was not evenly distributed with a ratio of 16:84 (CN:AD).

Or should I put the CN:AD in square brackets? And is it clear if I report it like this?

UPDATE: Now reported it as:

The data were unevenly distributed with a ratio CN:AD = 16:84.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Is this a ratio, or an N? That is, does 16 represent 16 data points or 16*X? — Bryan Krause, Feb 29 '20 at 18:28
Looks fine (as long as the gentle reader knows what CN, AD is all about). — vonbrand, Feb 29 '20 at 23:44
The way you have written it implies that the ratio was not 16:84. You need a comma, or better yet use the word “unevenly”. — David Ketcheson, Mar 01 '20 at 12:59
@BryanKrause it's a ratio. N would be 52,507 data points versus 9,828 data points. — Mira, Mar 01 '20 at 13:23

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 29 '20 at 15:43

5

As pointed out by xLeitix, there aren't really any standards on this. Another possibly clearer way to report that ratio is:

The data were not evenly distributed with a ratio CN:AD = 16:84.

answered Feb 29 '20 at 15:43

Massimo Ortolano

55,428
19
166
207

2

I think this is about as standard as it gets... – paul garrett Feb 29 '20 at 17:44

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 29 '20 at 14:22

2

I don't think there are really any standards for this kind of thing, but what's wrong with writing?

CN and AD were not evenly distributed (ratio 16 to 84).

Your version would work for me as well, but my proposal feels maybe a tiny bit clearer.

answered Feb 29 '20 at 14:22

xLeitix

135,037
46
333
493

How do I report a ratio?

2 Answers2