Gini Coefficient Calculator

Author: Henrick Yau
- 5 August 2026
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Calculators

Calculate the Gini coefficient to measure income inequality in a population. The Gini coefficient ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality). This tool helps economists, researchers, and policy makers understand wealth distribution patterns.

Income Distribution Data

Enter income values separated by commas or new lines

Analysis Options

people
Total population represented (optional)

Advanced Settings

Understanding the Gini Coefficient

The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure of income inequality within a population. It was developed by Italian statistician Corrado Gini in 1912 and has become the most commonly used measure of inequality worldwide.

How the Gini Coefficient Works
  • Scale: Ranges from 0 to 1 (or 0% to 100%)
  • Perfect Equality (0): Everyone has exactly the same income
  • Perfect Inequality (1): One person has all the income, others have none
  • Typical Range: Most countries fall between 0.25 and 0.60
  • Lorenz Curve: Graphical representation showing cumulative income distribution
  • Calculation Method: Based on the area between the Lorenz curve and line of equality
Interpretation Guidelines
  • 0.00 - 0.25: Very low inequality (highly equal distribution)
  • 0.25 - 0.35: Low inequality (relatively equal)
  • 0.35 - 0.45: Moderate inequality (acceptable range for many developed countries)
  • 0.45 - 0.55: High inequality (concerning for social stability)
  • 0.55 - 1.00: Very high inequality (extreme concentration of wealth)
Applications and Limitations
  • Policy Making: Helps governments assess and address inequality
  • Economic Research: Compares inequality across regions and time periods
  • Social Analysis: Links inequality to social outcomes and stability
  • Limitations: Doesn't capture wealth distribution, only income
  • Data Sensitivity: Results depend heavily on data quality and sampling
  • Context Matters: Same coefficient can represent different inequality patterns

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the data provided. Gini coefficient calculations are sensitive to data quality, sample size, and methodology. Results should be interpreted within proper economic and social context. This tool is for educational and research purposes only and should not be the sole basis for policy decisions.

What Is the Gini Coefficient?

The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure used to evaluate income inequality within a population. It helps quantify how evenly or unevenly income is distributed. A Gini value of 0 indicates perfect equality—everyone earns the same amount—while a value of 1 represents perfect inequality—one person earns everything, and everyone else earns nothing.

Gini Coefficient Formula:
G = (Σ |xi - xj|) / (2n²μ)
Where:
  • xi, xj: individual income values
  • n: number of income entries
  • μ: mean income

What the Gini Coefficient Calculator Does

This tool is a statistics calculator created to assist with data analysis and uncover patterns in income distribution. Whether you're an economist, researcher, policymaker, or student, this calculator provides a convenient way to perform statistical analysis and generate insights into inequality levels based on real-world or sample data.

Benefits of computing the Gini coefficient

  • Quickly compute the Gini coefficient for individual, grouped, or percentile-based income data
  • Visualize inequality using a Lorenz curve
  • Compare results to international benchmarks
  • Gain insights into mean and median, income range, and standard deviation
  • Useful as a statistical computation resource for economic reports and social studies

Steps to calculate the Gini coefficient

  1. Select the Calculation Method: Choose from individual income values, grouped income brackets, or income percentiles.
  2. Input Your Data: Enter the income figures in the format shown. Use commas, new lines, or follow the specified structure for groups or percentiles.
  3. Choose Currency Unit: Select your preferred currency for meaningful interpretation.
  4. Optional Settings: Adjust sample size, choose whether to include zero incomes, and select whether to generate the Lorenz curve and international comparisons.
  5. Click “Calculate Gini Coefficient”: The tool will display results, including the Gini value, inequality assessment, charts, and comparative tables.

Who can use this inequality analysis tool

  • Economists analysing national income data
  • Students and educators studying probability and stats or data insights
  • Policy analysts reviewing economic inequality
  • Social researchers working with income distributions

Common questions about data input and Lorenz curve

Q: What types of data can I input?
You can input raw individual income values, grouped ranges with counts, or percentile-income pairs. Make sure your data follows the format shown in the input area.

Q: What does the Lorenz curve show?
The Lorenz curve visualises income distribution. The closer the curve is to the line of equality, the more equal the distribution.

Q: Can I use this for wealth data?
No. The Gini coefficient specifically measures income inequality. It doesn't account for wealth or asset distribution.

Q: Is there a recommended sample size?
Larger datasets provide more accurate results. A minimum of 10 income entries is required, but 100+ is ideal for statistical reliability.

How this tool aids income distribution analysis

This Gini Coefficient Calculator supports data distribution analysis and highlights disparities that may not be obvious at first glance. As a descriptive statistics guide, it complements other tools like a standard deviation calculator or percentile calculator in understanding how income varies within a population. Use it alongside other data analysis helpers to build a full picture of social and economic conditions.