Sample Size Calculator
In this reading, you will learn the basics of sample size calculators, how to use them, and how to understand the results. A sample size calculator tells you how many people you need to interview (or things you need to test) to get results that represent the target population. Let’s review some terms you will come across when using a sample size calculator:
Confidence level: The probability that your sample size accurately reflects the greater population.
Margin of error: The maximum amount that the sample results are expected to differ from those of the actual population.
Population: This is the total number you hope to pull your sample from.
Sample: A part of a population that is representative of the population.
Estimated response rate: If you are running a survey of individuals, this is the percentage of people you expect will complete your survey out of those who received the survey.
How to use a sample size calculator
In order to use a sample size calculator, you need to have the population size, confidence level, and the acceptable margin of error already decided so you can input them into the tool. If this information is ready to go, check out these sample size calculators below:
What to do with the results
After you have plugged your information into one of these calculators, it will give you a recommended sample size. Keep in mind, the calculated sample size is the minimum number to achieve what you input for confidence level and margin of error. If you are working with a survey, you will also need to think about the estimated response rate to figure out how many surveys you will need to send out. For example, if you need a sample size of 100 individuals and your estimated response rate is 10%, you will need to send your survey to 1,000 individuals to get the 100 responses you need for your analysis.
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