I’ve mentioned the sex ratio in a few posts and how it skews the dating market when it favors men or favors women, but I realized that I never truly explained what it is or elaborated more fully on its impact on the overall dating market.
What Is the Sex Ratio?
The sex ratio is the number of men compared to women in a group. It’s often expressed as “men per 100 women.”
The main takeaway from this statistic when you see it published anywhere is that a ratio above 100 means more men; below 100 means more women.
The link below shows the sex ratio in the United States by state. You should check it out and see if the ratio for the state you live in might be affecting your “luck” in the dating market.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/male-to-female-ratio-by-state
That said…
Everyone thinks their dating struggles are about “bad men” or “crazy women.”
Wrong.
It’s math.
The sex ratio often decides who wins and who begs. And most of you either don’t realize it or don’t want to face it (if you’re already aware of this statistic).
Real-world research confirms that what I state below is fact, not supposition.
When There Are More Men Than Women
Women get to be picky, and they are.
Men line up, compete, simp, and lower their standards just to get crumbs.
Women control the market—and men pretend it’s “just bad luck.”
Remember, the old notion that women are the gatekeepers to sex comes into play in this scenario.
When There Are More Women Than Men
Men become the prize.
Women start competing, lowering standards, and tolerating behavior they’d never accept otherwise.
Marriage rates go up—because suddenly, women can’t afford to play games.
The notion that men are the gatekeepers to marriage and relationships comes into play in this scenario.
Why College Hookup Culture Exists
In most cases, campuses are full of women and short on men.
What happens in this dynamic?
The top 10% of guys get unlimited attention while the rest of the men get nothing.
Women call it “men being players”—but it’s really just supply and demand.
Why Older Men Clean Up
By middle age, there are fewer single men compared to women.
That’s why a halfway decent 50-year-old man can date women 10, 15 years younger—while women in their 40s and 50s complain there are “no good men left.”
This also explains why men often fair better than women post-divorce. A fact intentionally overlooked by the manosphere and feminists.
The math doesn’t lie.
Older men, especially if they have their act together, enjoy a perpetual buyer’s market.
Why It Matters (and to summarize)
Dating is a marketplace. When there are more men than women, women have the leverage. When there are more women than men, men do.
Again, simple supply and demand.
Male-heavy environments (more men):
Women can afford to be picky.
Men compete harder, often lowering their standards or over-investing.
Relationships skew toward casual for women, difficult for men.
Female-heavy environments (more women):
Men gain leverage.
Women compete more aggressively for fewer desirable men.
Marriage rates tend to rise—because men are in demand and can “set terms.”
Why People Ignore It
Most folks want to believe dating is purely about “love” and “chemistry.” In reality, numbers shape opportunity.
You can’t negotiate with math: if there are 20 women and 10 men, 10 women go home alone no matter how charming they are.
The sex ratio explains why some people feel like dating is impossible while others feel like they’re spoiled for choice.
It’s not always about looks, charm, or money—it’s about math.
And if you don’t understand the numbers, you’ll keep misreading the game you’re trying to play.
Final Thought
If you’re struggling in the dating market, stop blaming “toxic men” or “picky women.” The sex ratio likely already stacked the deck—you’re just mad because it isn’t stacked in your favor.
The truth is brutal: in love, math (read: facts) doesn’t care about your feelings.
-The Rational Ram
The Rational Ram 