on a pro-rata basis

Meaning

On a pro-rata basis means allocating or calculating something proportionally, based on a specific factor such as time, usage, or share. It is widely used in finance, human resources, and project management to ensure fair distribution. The tone is analytical, precise, and professional.

Examples

• Part-time employees receive annual leave on a pro-rata basis.

  Part-time employees receive annual leave on a pro-rata basis.

• The remaining funds will be distributed to shareholders on a pro-rata basis.

  The remaining funds will be distributed to shareholders on a pro-rata basis.

• If you cancel mid-month, you will be refunded on a pro-rata basis.

  If you cancel mid-month, you will be refunded on a pro-rata basis.

• The project costs were shared among the partners on a pro-rata basis.

  The project costs were shared among the partners on a pro-rata basis.

• Your bonus will be calculated on a pro-rata basis according to your months of service.

  Your bonus will be calculated on a pro-rata basis according to your months of service.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We will pay you on a pro-rate basis.

  ✓ We will pay you on a pro-rata basis.

  'Pro-rata' is a Latin phrase used as an adjective or adverb in English; 'pro-rate' is a verb. In this prepositional phrase, use 'pro-rata'.

• ✗ The benefits are calculated in a pro-rata basis.

  ✓ The benefits are calculated on a pro-rata basis.

  The correct preposition to pair with 'basis' in this standard business expression is 'on', not 'in'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since she joined the company in June, her annual bonus was calculated ___.

  💡 Proportionally based on her time of employment.

  Show answer

  on a pro-rata basis

• Refunds for cancelled subscriptions are issued ___ according to the remaining days.

  💡 In proportion to the unused period.

  Show answer

  on a pro-rata basis