Ratio Analysis is cofusing me!

[abzzzz]

There's so many different ratios that i've actually lost track...

Some ratios talk about how for every dollar you make so and so cents compared to the industry average, then some talk about profitability and  liquidity, i'm just confused.
Can someone define Profitability for me? and what ratios contribute to this?

[RossiJ]

Profitability is the ability of a business to generate a profit using its resources. It's measured by profit to a base figure.

[abzzzz]

What are these resources and what's the base figure?

[kamb0z]

Assets = Resources controlled by the entity from which an inflow of economic benefit is expected to flow into the business...
Base figure is also the same as relevant benchmark... which can be owner's equity, sales or assets.
Ratios?
Net profit ratio = Net profit/Sales
Gross profit ratio = Gross profit/Sales
Return on Owner's equity = Net profit/Average Owner's Equity
Return on assets = Net profit/Average Total Assets