.wpr-input-group { margin-bottom: 15px; }
.wpr-input-group label { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; }
.wpr-input-group input { width: 100%; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; }
.wpr-btn { background-color: #0073aa; color: white; padding: 12px 20px; border: none; border-radius: 4px; cursor: pointer; width: 100%; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; transition: background 0.3s; }
.wpr-btn:hover { background-color: #005177; }
#wpr-result-box { margin-top: 25px; padding: 20px; background-color: #ffffff; border-left: 5px solid #0073aa; border-radius: 4px; display: none; }
.wpr-result-value { font-size: 28px; color: #0073aa; font-weight: bold; }
.wpr-result-label { font-size: 14px; color: #666; margin-top: 5px; }
.wpr-error { color: #d63638; font-weight: bold; display: none; margin-top: 10px; }
.wpr-article { margin-top: 40px; line-height: 1.6; color: #333; }
.wpr-article h2 { color: #23282d; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 30px; }
.wpr-article ul { list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px; }
.wpr-article li { margin-bottom: 8px; }
Please enter valid numbers. The working-age population must be greater than zero.
function calculateWPR() {
var employedInput = document.getElementById('employedCount');
var unemployedInput = document.getElementById('unemployedCount');
var populationInput = document.getElementById('workingAgePop');
var resultBox = document.getElementById('wpr-result-box');
var errorMsg = document.getElementById('wpr-error-msg');
var employed = parseFloat(employedInput.value);
var unemployed = parseFloat(unemployedInput.value);
var population = parseFloat(populationInput.value);
// Validation
if (isNaN(employed) || isNaN(unemployed) || isNaN(population) || population 100) {
interpretation = "The calculated rate exceeds 100%, which usually indicates a data entry error where the labor force exceeds the total population.";
} else if (wpr = 40 && wpr <= 70) {
interpretation = "This falls within a typical range for many economies, depending on demographics and student enrollment rates.";
} else {
interpretation = "This indicates a high participation rate, suggesting a very active workforce relative to the population.";
}
document.getElementById('resultInterpretation').innerHTML = interpretation;
resultBox.style.display = 'block';
}
What is Work Participation Rate?
The Work Participation Rate (WPR), often referred to as the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), is a key economic indicator that measures the proportion of a country's working-age population that is actively engaged in the labor market. This includes individuals who are currently employed as well as those who are unemployed but actively seeking work.
Unlike the unemployment rate, which only looks at those looking for work, the WPR provides a broader view of the economy's active workforce capacity. It helps economists understand how many people are contributing to the production of goods and services relative to the total number of people who could potentially work.
How to Calculate Work Participation Rate
To calculate the Work Participation Rate manually, you need three specific data points:
- Employed Persons: The total number of individuals currently holding a job.
- Unemployed Persons: The total number of individuals who do not have a job but are actively looking for one.
- Working-Age Population: The total number of civilians within the eligible age range (typically 15 to 64 years old) who are not institutionalized.
The formula for Work Participation Rate is:
WPR = [ (Employed + Unemployed) / Working-Age Population ] × 100
The sum of employed and unemployed persons is collectively known as the Total Labor Force.
Example Calculation
Let's look at a realistic example to understand the math behind the calculator above:
- Employed Persons: 9,500,000
- Unemployed Persons (Seeking work): 500,000
- Total Working-Age Population: 16,000,000
Step 1: Calculate the Labor Force
9,500,000 + 500,000 = 10,000,000 (Total Labor Force)
Step 2: Divide by Population
10,000,000 / 16,000,000 = 0.625
Step 3: Convert to Percentage
0.625 × 100 = 62.5%
In this example, the Work Participation Rate is 62.5%.
Why Does WPR Matter?
The participation rate is often considered more insightful than the unemployment rate alone. A declining WPR might indicate an aging population (more retirees), more people pursuing higher education (students not working), or "discouraged workers" who have stopped looking for jobs entirely. Conversely, a rising WPR typically signals a robust economy where more people feel encouraged to enter the workforce.