Enter Group Data
Example Data Table
| Group | Applicants | Selected | Selection Rate | Impact Ratio | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 100 | 40 | 40.00% | 100.00% | Reference group |
| Women | 120 | 30 | 25.00% | 62.50% | Potential adverse impact |
| Group X | 90 | 33 | 36.67% | 91.67% | Within four-fifths rule |
| Group Y | 80 | 28 | 35.00% | 87.50% | Within four-fifths rule |
Formula Used
Selection Rate = Selected ÷ Applicants
Highest Selection Rate = Maximum selection rate among all compared groups
Impact Ratio = Group Selection Rate ÷ Highest Selection Rate
Four-Fifths Rule Threshold = 0.80 or 80%
If a group's impact ratio falls below 80%, the result may indicate potential adverse impact and deserves further review. This rule is a screening guideline, not a final legal conclusion.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a name for each comparison group.
- Input the number of applicants in each group.
- Input how many applicants were selected.
- Press Calculate to generate the analysis.
- Review the highest selection rate and each impact ratio.
- Flag any group below 80% for deeper review.
- Download the results in CSV or PDF format.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the four-fifths rule measure?
It compares each group's selection rate with the highest group rate. A ratio below 80% may suggest potential adverse impact and should be reviewed carefully.
2. Is this rule a final legal determination?
No. It is a practical screening method used in hiring and employment reviews. Legal conclusions require broader context, documentation, and sometimes statistical or legal analysis.
3. What is a selection rate?
A selection rate is the number selected divided by the total applicants in that group. It shows the share of applicants who moved forward or were hired.
4. Which group becomes the reference group?
The reference group is the one with the highest selection rate. All other groups are compared against that rate to calculate impact ratios.
5. Can I compare more than two groups?
Yes. This calculator lets you compare four groups at once. Each one is tested against the highest observed selection rate in the entered data.
6. What happens if selected exceeds applicants?
That entry is invalid. Selected counts cannot be larger than applicant counts, because the selected pool must come from the applicant group.
7. Why include CSV and PDF downloads?
Downloads make it easier to share results, store documentation, and support internal hiring reviews, audit preparation, or consistent reporting across hiring cycles.
8. Should flagged groups always trigger action?
Flagged results should prompt review, not automatic conclusions. Check sample size, job requirements, process consistency, and related evidence before making decisions.