Required sample size for a survey, with finite population correction.
How to use this calculator
Every field updates the result as you type — there is no submit step. The inputs below are pre-filled with a realistic example so you can see how the tool behaves before entering your own figures.
| Field | Unit | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Confidence level | — | Choose one of the available options. |
| Margin of error | % | Enter a numeric value. |
| Expected proportion | % | Enter a numeric value. |
| Population size (blank = infinite) | — | Enter a numeric value. |
Worked example
Using the default values loaded into the calculator above, the result is:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Confidence level | 95% |
| Margin of error (%) | 5 |
| Expected proportion (%) | 50 |
| Output | Value |
|---|---|
| Required sample size | 385 |
| Unadjusted sample size | 385 |
| Z critical value | 1.959963 |
| Population | infinite / unknown |
Precision and rounding
Calculations run in IEEE 754 double precision, giving about 15–17 significant decimal digits. Displayed values are rounded for readability while the full precision is retained internally, so intermediate rounding never accumulates into the final answer.
Very large or very small magnitudes switch automatically to scientific notation.
Sharing and saving a calculation
The "Copy link" button encodes every value you have entered into the page URL. Opening that link restores the calculation exactly, which makes it easy to bookmark a scenario, send it to someone else, or keep several variations side by side in separate tabs.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Sample Size Calculator do?
Required sample size for a survey, with finite population correction.
What result do the default values produce?
With the values pre-loaded in the calculator, required sample size comes to 385.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. It is free, requires no account, and runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is transmitted or stored on a server.
Can I save or share a calculation?
Yes. The "Copy link" button builds a URL containing all your entered values. Anyone opening that link sees the same calculation.
How accurate is the result?
Calculations use double-precision floating point, accurate to roughly 15 significant digits. Displayed values are rounded for readability only.