Rate Per Thousand Calculator
Calculate crime rates, birth rates, or millage rates instantly.
Percentage: 0%
Ratio: 1 in 0
How to Calculate Rate Per Thousand
Calculating a rate per thousand (often represented by the symbol ‰ or termed "per mille") is a standard method used in statistics, demographics, and economics to express ratios relative to a base of 1,000. Unlike percentages which normalize data to 100, rates per thousand are useful when dealing with smaller probabilities or large population bases.
The Rate Per Thousand Formula
The calculation involves dividing the specific number of events or occurrences by the total population (or base figure) and then multiplying the result by 1,000.
Where:
- Count: The number of specific events observed (e.g., number of crimes, number of births).
- Total Population: The total universe or sample size from which the count is drawn.
Common Use Cases
While percentages are common in finance, rate per thousand is preferred in specific sectors to make small decimal numbers more readable.
| Field | Application | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Demographics | Birth & Death Rates | 12 births per 1,000 people (instead of 1.2%). |
| Sociology | Crime Rates | Number of crimes per 1,000 residents. |
| Marketing | CPM (Cost Per Mille) | The cost to reach 1,000 ad impressions. |
| Taxation | Mill Rate | Property tax amount per $1,000 of assessed value. |
Real-World Example Calculation
Let's say you are analyzing crime statistics for a small city. The city has a population of 25,000 people. In the last year, there were 150 reported incidents of theft.
To find the theft rate per thousand:
- Divide the incidents by the population: 150 / 25,000 = 0.006
- Multiply by 1,000: 0.006 × 1,000 = 6
The result is 6 thefts per 1,000 residents.
Why Use Per Thousand Instead of Percent?
Using a base of 1,000 allows for whole numbers when dealing with rare events. In the example above, "6 per 1,000" is easier for the general public to visualize and understand than saying "0.6%". It provides a clearer mental image of the frequency of an event within a community.