How to use the margin of error from percent calculator
Find the margin of error for a poll percentage. Enter percent answering yes, people surveyed in the fields above; the margin of error (95%) is computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Formula
Variables
- p — Percent answering yes (%)
- n — People surveyed
Worked example
With percent answering yes = 50 %, people surveyed = 1000, the calculator gives margin of error (95%) ≈ 3.099032 %.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for the margin of error from percent calculation?
Margin of error (95%) (%) = 196 × √(p / 100 × (1-p / 100) / n). Here p is percent answering yes (%), n is people surveyed.
What inputs do I need for the margin of error from percent calculator?
You need percent answering yes in %, people surveyed. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use this calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.