Natural Rate of Increase Calculator
Calculation Results
' + 'How to Calculate Natural Rate of Increase
The Natural Rate of Increase (RNI) is a fundamental demographic statistic used to measure the growth rate of a population exclusive of migration. It focuses strictly on the biological factors of population change: fertility and mortality. Demographers, urban planners, and government officials use the RNI to understand the internal growth dynamics of a country, region, or city.
The Natural Rate of Increase Formula
To calculate the natural rate of increase, you need three key data points for a specific period (usually one year): the total number of live births, the total number of deaths, and the total population size.
The standard formula is:
Alternatively, if you already have the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR) per 1,000 people, the formula is even simpler:
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Let's assume a hypothetical city with the following statistics for the year 2023:
- Total Population: 500,000
- Live Births: 6,500
- Deaths: 4,000
Step 1: Calculate the Net Natural Increase
First, subtract the number of deaths from the number of births.
6,500 (Births) – 4,000 (Deaths) = 2,500 (Net Increase)
Step 2: Divide by Total Population
Divide the net increase by the total population to find the decimal growth rate.
2,500 / 500,000 = 0.005
Step 3: Convert to Percentage
Multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
0.005 × 100 = 0.5%
In this example, the Natural Rate of Increase is 0.5%. This indicates a slowly growing population.
Why Exclude Migration?
The term "Natural" in RNI signifies that the calculation only accounts for biological changes (births and deaths). It does not include Net Migration Rate (immigration minus emigration). When migration is added to the RNI, the result is known as the Population Growth Rate.
Distinguishing between natural increase and migration is vital for policy. For instance, a country might have a negative RNI (more deaths than births) but a growing total population due to high immigration levels.
Interpreting the Results
- Positive RNI: Indicates more births than deaths. The population is naturally growing. Developing nations often have higher RNIs ranging from 1.5% to 3.0%.
- Negative RNI: Indicates more deaths than births. The population is shrinking naturally. This is common in some developed nations with aging populations, such as Japan or Germany.
- Zero RNI: Births exactly equal deaths, indicating a stable natural population (Zero Population Growth).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RNI and Population Growth Rate?
RNI only considers births and deaths. Population Growth Rate considers births, deaths, and net migration (people moving in minus people moving out).
What is a high Natural Rate of Increase?
Generally, an RNI above 2.0% is considered high and indicates rapid population growth, often straining resources. An RNI between 0.5% and 1.5% is moderate, while anything below 0.5% represents slow growth.
Can RNI be negative?
Yes. If the number of deaths exceeds the number of births, the RNI will be negative. This is referred to as natural decrease.