Calculate response rates with adjustable denominators and definitions. See confidence bounds and targets in seconds. Download tables, share insights, and plan your reminders smartly.
This calculator supports two common approaches:
Denominator options:
AAPOR-style (simplified) methods use these labels:
Confidence intervals use the Wilson score method with z = 1.96 (about 95%).
| Sent | Undeliverable | Ineligible | Completed | Partial | Rate (Completed+Partial ÷ Eligible) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 10 | 5 | 160 | 20 | 37.11% |
| 1200 | 35 | 10 | 312 | 41 | 30.56% |
| 250 | 0 | 0 | 92 | 8 | 40.00% |
| 3000 | 110 | 30 | 620 | 85 | 24.65% |
| 900 | 18 | 12 | 210 | 33 | 27.93% |
These examples assume eligibility is based on Sent − Undeliverable − Ineligible.
Response rate summarizes how many invited people actually provide usable data. Track it by wave, segment, and device to detect friction early. For example, if 1,200 invitations produce 312 completes, the completed-only rate depends on your denominator choice. Pair the rate with completion and cooperation metrics to show where losses occur: delivery problems, screening, refusals, or drop‑offs. Consistent definitions make trend lines meaningful across time.
Three denominators are common in practice. Sent counts every invitation, delivered removes undeliverable cases, and eligible also subtracts ineligible records. Using the sample above with 35 bounced and 10 ineligible, eligible equals 1,155. If you include 41 partials as responses, responses become 353 and the eligible-based rate is 30.56%. Reporting the denominator alongside the rate prevents misleading comparisons across channels and lists.
When eligibility is uncertain, AAPOR-style rates incorporate unknown cases explicitly. This calculator maps completed to I, partial to P, refusals to R, noncontacts to NC, and unknown eligibility to U. RR1 and RR2 treat all unknowns as in-scope, while RR3 and RR4 weight unknowns by e, your estimate of how many are truly eligible. These options are useful for mixed-mode outreach and panel maintenance.
A single percentage can hide uncertainty, especially with smaller denominators. The calculator shows a 95% Wilson interval for the chosen numerator and denominator, which performs well near 0% or 100%. Use the interval to communicate precision: a narrow band suggests stable measurement, while a wide band signals limited evidence. The margin of error displayed is half the interval width, providing a quick comparability check between campaigns.
Operational planning improves when you translate rates into counts. Set a target response rate and the calculator estimates additional responses required to reach it under the selected method. Combine this with total campaign cost to estimate cost per completed response, supporting budget justification. If additional responses are high, prioritize reminder timing, shorten the survey, improve mobile usability, or adjust incentives. Small gains in completion can materially reduce acquisition costs. Review language clarity to reduce breakoffs further.
It is the share of invited cases that produce responses, calculated using your selected numerator and denominator. Report the denominator description alongside the percentage for clarity.
Include partials when partial data is analytically usable or when your reporting standard counts starts. Exclude them when only fully completed records qualify for analysis or incentives.
Use Eligible when you can remove undeliverable and ineligible cases. Use Delivered when delivery is measured reliably. Use Sent for top-line operational tracking across campaigns.
It gives a plausible range for the true response rate given the observed counts. A narrower interval indicates higher precision, usually from larger denominators and stable response behavior.
For RR3 and RR4, e weights unknown-eligibility cases by the fraction you believe are truly eligible. Set e using historical screening rates or validated sampling frames.
Yes. Download CSV after you submit to export inputs and outputs. Use the PDF button to capture the result card for sharing in reports or email updates.
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.