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Calcimator

Sampling Frame Calculator

Calculate the design effect and effective sample size for cluster sampling designs. Understand how intraclass correlation and cluster size reduce your statistical power.

Inputs

Results

Design Effect (DEFF)

1.95

Effective Sample Size513
SRS-Equivalent Sample513
Efficiency Loss48.72%
Variance Inflation1.95
Total Clusters50
Effective Clusters25.64
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the total size of the sampling frame (all eligible units).
  2. Input the expected incidence rate - the percentage of contacts who qualify.
  3. Set the desired number of completed surveys.
  4. Review the Required Contacts to achieve your target and the Estimated Completion Rate.
  5. Adjust the incidence rate if screening is used to pre-qualify respondents.

How the result changes with Average Cluster Size

Average Cluster SizeDesign Effect (DEFF)
1,00151
3,501176
6,500325.95
9,000450.95

What each input means

Total Sample Size
The total number of individual observations in your sample across all clusters.
Number of Clusters
The number of clusters (e.g., schools, clinics, neighborhoods) in your sampling design.
Intraclass Correlation (ICC)
The ICC measures similarity within clusters. Values of 0.01-0.05 are common in social research; 0.1-0.3 in educational or health research.
Average Cluster Size
Average number of individuals sampled per cluster. Equals total sample size / number of clusters.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Total Sample Size = 1000, Number of Clusters = 50, Intraclass Correlation (ICC) = 0.05, Average Cluster Size = 20 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Design Effect
    Design Effect
    1.95 = 1.95
  3. Calculate Effective Sample Size
    513 = 513
  4. Calculate SRS-Equivalent Sample
    SRS-Equivalent Sample
    513 = 513

Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

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