Resource Allocation Index Calculator

Reveal hidden links through shared neighbor evidence. Tune directed or weighted graphs with robust options. Export results quickly, then validate decisions using clear reports.

Calculator

Pairwise shows a full contribution table.
Weights are read from the third column, if present.
Use spaces or commas. One edge per line.

Formula used

The resource allocation index estimates similarity between two nodes using their shared neighbors.

RAI(u, v) = \sum_{z \in \Gamma(u) \cap \Gamma(v)} \frac{1}{k(z)}

Higher scores indicate stronger similarity through informative common neighbors.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose Pairwise for a specific node pair, or Batch for all pairs.
  2. Paste your edge list using two columns, or three with weights.
  3. Enable Directed if edges have direction; out-neighbors are used.
  4. Enable Weighted to use strengths instead of degrees.
  5. Click Calculate to view results above the form.
  6. Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export.

Example data table

Example edge list (unweighted, undirected) and a sample pair score.

EdgeNode ANode B
1AB
2AC
3BC
4BD
5CD
6CE
7DE
PairCommon neighborsRAI
A–DB, C1/3 + 1/4 = 0.583333
B–EC, D1/4 + 1/3 = 0.583333
A–EC1/4 = 0.25

Article

1) Why the resource allocation index matters

Many physics workflows can be modeled as networks: transport pathways, interaction graphs, and correlation structures. The resource allocation index (RAI) rates how plausible a connection is by counting shared neighbors while downweighting hubs. It is widely used in complex-network link prediction. In physics datasets, it can highlight likely interactions missing from sparse measurements.

2) Physical intuition behind shared neighbors

If two sites share intermediates, resources can be routed through them in diffusion or flow analogies. A neighbor with few connections provides focused support because its influence is less split. RAI sums the inverse degree or strength of each common neighbor.

3) Formula and terms used in this calculator

The calculator applies RAI(u, v) = Σz∈Γ(u)∩Γ(v) 1/k(z). Γ(u) is u’s neighbor set and k(z) is the degree of z. With weighted mode, k(z) becomes node strength computed as the sum of incident weights. In pairwise mode, the contribution table lists each 1/k(z) term so you can see which common neighbor drives the score.

4) Directed and weighted network choices

For directed data, the tool uses out‑neighbors so direction stays consistent. Weighted mode fits edges that represent intensity, frequency, conductance, or coupling magnitude. Use positive weights on a consistent scale across the dataset.

5) Interpreting scores and comparing pairs

RAI is a relative similarity score, so compare pairs within the same network. Larger values indicate more low‑degree common neighbors and stronger candidate links. Batch mode ranks pairs so you can prioritize follow‑up work.

6) Data preparation tips for reliable outcomes

Use one edge per line and keep labels consistent. Remove self‑loops; duplicates are merged by summing weights in weighted mode. For large graphs, restrict to a component or time window. Match the directed option to causality or flow. Lines starting with # are treated as comments and ignored.

7) Practical use cases in physics workflows

RAI supports link prediction in interaction networks, helps suggest missing couplings, and ranks candidate correlations in complex systems. Use it alongside other measures, then filter results using physics constraints, units, and measurement limits. Examples include contact networks, lattice defect interactions, power‑grid couplings, and photonic or molecular interaction graphs.

8) Reporting and exporting results

CSV export suits spreadsheets, scripts, and reproducible notebooks. The PDF report is helpful for sharing results. Pairwise mode also lists each neighbor’s contribution, clarifying why a score is high.

FAQs

1) What does a higher resource allocation index mean?

A higher score means the pair shares more informative common neighbors. Neighbors with low degree or low strength contribute more, so the score favors specific intermediates rather than broad hubs.

2) Is this a probability of a link?

No. It is a similarity score for ranking candidate links within the same dataset. You can calibrate scores to probabilities using historical links or a validation set.

3) When should I enable weighted mode?

Enable it when edge weights represent meaningful intensity, such as coupling strength, interaction frequency, or conductance. The calculator then uses node strength instead of degree in the inverse term.

4) How does directed mode change the calculation?

Directed mode uses out‑neighbors to define each node’s neighbor set. This is useful for causal, flow, or influence networks where direction matters for similarity interpretation.

5) Why do hubs contribute less?

Hubs connect to many nodes, so their support is diffuse. The inverse degree term reduces their influence, prioritizing rare shared neighbors that often carry more specific information.

6) What if two nodes have no common neighbors?

The score becomes zero and the contribution table is empty. In batch mode, those pairs can be filtered out by setting a minimum common-neighbor threshold above zero.

7) Can I compare scores across different datasets?

Be careful. Network size, density, and weighting scales change score ranges. For cross‑dataset comparisons, normalize inputs or evaluate rankings using the same validation methodology.

Related Calculators

Network degree calculatorAverage path length calculatorClustering coefficient calculatorBetweenness centrality calculatorCloseness centrality calculatorEigenvector centrality calculatorPageRank score calculatorKatz centrality calculatorAssortativity coefficient calculatorModularity score calculator

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.