Sex ratio (number of females per 1000 males) (X₅): This indicator is an important and sensitive indicator of status of women. Higher the sex ratio, higher the status of women and vice versa. Concerted efforts are needed to emphasize the value of girls and women and to promote equality among sexes. As per the Census findings overall Sex ratio in India has declined over a period of time. It was 946 female per 1000 male in the year 1951 and declined to 927 in 1991. In the recent Census findings (2001), the overall sex ratio improved by 6 points to 933 females per 1000 males. Highest sex ratio as per census 2001 was recorded in the state of Kerala with 1058 females per 1000 males. It was lowest in the Daman and Diu with 709 females per 1000 males. Among all the districts in India, Mahe district in Pondichery recorded the highest sex ratio (1182 female per 1000 males) while Daman district in Daman & Diu recorded lowest sex ratio (591 females per 1000 males). 

The highest sex ratio was observed at 1182 and the lowest value at 591. The index is computed as 

Index₅ = 100*(X₅ – 591)/(1182-591) 

            = 100*(X₆ – 591)/591