Skip main navigation

Proportions are not Averages

.

Proportions are percentages but written as a decimal such as 0,5 for 50%. People often think of these as averages but they’re actually a little bit different.

In the above example, we have two data sets. In the first one, there is a score of 80% male and 20% female. In the second one, there is a score of 52% male and 48% female. Both of these data sets have the mode of male.

Even though both data sets have the same mode, it is clear to see that the proportions are vastly different.

This article is from the free online

Essential Mathematics for Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now