Sample Size Calculator and Guide to Survey Sample Size
Published on
15 July 2020
##### Catherine Chipeta
Content Writer
Online Survey Panels

Ensure high-quality data with guaranteed high-quality target respondents

How many respondents do you need? Use our sample size calculator to get the right sample size for your next survey. We also answer frequently asked questions on sample size and provide suggestions to improve your surveys in this handy guide.

### Online Survey Panels

Ensure high-quality data with guaranteed high-quality target respondents

## What is a sample and why sample size matters

Researching the entire population is often not feasible due to many constraints. Instead, sampling is used, which is more practical for analysis and generates results more promptly.

A sample is a subset of individuals selected from the target population to estimate the characteristics of the population. Sample size is important because it determines the accuracy and quality of your survey results. It is especially important in market research as robust data is the key to unlocking meaningful and actionable insights about your target audience.

Want to identify the number of responses required for your survey quickly? Just use our sample size calculator.

If you want to learn more about the theories behind the calculator and sample size, we also compiled everything you need to know in this guide.

## Sample Size Calculator

Population size
Confidence level
Margin of error
Sample proportion
Recommended Sample Size
0

## Four important components of sample size calculation

Here are four key components you’ll need to understand in calculating your minimum sample size:

### 1. Population size

The population size is the total number of people in the population (target audience) you are looking to survey. For example, if you were surveying the general population of a city with 30,000 residents, the population size for your study is 30,000.

When surveying small populations, a finite population correction is used. You can use 100,000 with caution if you do not know the exact size of a large population; the sample size remains quite static over 100,000.

### How does sample size affect validity of a study?

If sample size is not large enough for your study, the internal and external validity will be compromised and it can also result in cases of bias. A higher sample size results in more accurate results. Sample size is only one of many factors that affect the validity of your study.

You should also consider that data can still be useful in some instances even if you do not meet the required sample size for your study. For example, a customer satisfaction survey with open-ended questions can still provide meaningful insights as detailed consumer feedback is indispensable to market research.

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Open-ended questions should be part of any research project as they can gather in-depth and rich insights from your target audience. Learn more about open-ended questions and getting the most out of them for your projects.

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