Sample Size Calculator

Description: Use these for studies examining means or proportions, studies with clustered data, survival analysis, and more.

Link: Statistical calculators 

Who is this resource for: Clinical investigators

Who created this resource: This site is run by the University of California San Francisco Clinical and Translational Science Institute. 

What does this resource offer: This site includes calculators for the necessary sample size to detect a user-defined effect size or the minimum detectable effect size for a user-defined sample size. The types of studies and analyses accommodated by these calculators are broad and include:

  • One group, two independent groups, and paired group designs
  • Tests for means, proportions, and correlation
  • Clustered data
  • Confidence intervals
  • Survival analysis
  • Likelihood ratio (diagnostic test accuracy)
  • Posterior probability of disease
  • Pediatric growth

Each calculator includes helpful descriptions of the required inputs. They also include descriptions of the method used for sample size/effect size calculations along with relevant formulas and references. This website also has two tabs at the top: “About Calculating Sample Size” and “Glossary of Terms” which offer explanations of sample size vocabulary as well as study design considerations.

Helpful hints: Don’t miss the “About Calculating Sample Size” and “Glossary of Terms” tabs for more information about sample size calculations.