Income Gini coefficients range from about 0.25 in Nordic countries to over 0.6 in South Africa; the U.S. is around 0.48 before taxes and transfers (Census). Wealth Gini coefficients are much higher.
How to use the Gini Coefficient Calculator
- Incomes
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the incomes (or wealth) of each person or household, separated by commas.
Tips
- Use real (inflation-adjusted) figures to compare across years.
- Check whether data are seasonally adjusted.
- Use the same currency and base year throughout.
- Economic models simplify reality – treat results as illustrations, not forecasts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing nominal and real values.
- Comparing percentage changes with percentage-point changes.
- Treating correlations as causes.
What each result means
- Number of values = count([Incomes])
- Mean = mean([Incomes])
- Median = median([Incomes])
- Gini coefficient = gini([Incomes])
Formula
Gini = Σᵢ Σⱼ |xᵢ − xⱼ| ÷ (2n² × mean)Equivalent: Gini = (2 Σ i × x₍ᵢ₎) ÷ (n Σ x) − (n + 1) ÷ n, with incomes sortedWorked example
Inputs — Incomes: 15000, 22000, 30000, 38000, 45000, 52000, 65000, 80000, 120000, 250000.
Results — Number of values = 10; Mean = $71,700.00; Median = $48,500.00; Gini coefficient = 0.438; Inequality = High.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Gini coefficient?
A measure of inequality from 0 (equal) to 1 (maximally unequal).
What is a high Gini coefficient?
Above about 0.45–0.5 for income.
How is it related to the Lorenz curve?
It's the area between the Lorenz curve and the equality line, doubled.
What formula does the Gini Coefficient Calculator use?
Gini = Σᵢ Σⱼ |xᵢ − xⱼ| ÷ (2n² × mean).