Skip to content
ENExplore Calculators

Gini Coefficient Calculator

Work out gini coefficient instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Gini Coefficient Calculator

The Gini coefficient is twice the area between the Lorenz curve and the line of perfect equality, computed here from quintile income shares using the trapezoid rule. Zero means perfect equality and one means one person holds everything; the Palma ratio is often more intuitive.

Formulas

Lorenz area

Area under the Lorenz curve = sum over quintiles of 0.2 x (Cumulative share at k + Cumulative share at k-1) / 2

Gini

Gini = 1 - 2 x Area under the Lorenz curve

Worked example

With the default values below, Gini Coefficient Calculator returns Gini coefficient of 0.3332. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Income share of the poorest 20%
7.2
Income share of the second 20%
11.4
Income share of the middle 20%
15.8
Income share of the fourth 20%
22.1

Results

Gini coefficient
0.3332
Income share of the richest 20%
43.50%
Palma ratio (top 20% / bottom 40%)
2.339
Interpretation
Moderate inequality

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Lorenz area
  3. 3Gini
  4. 4Gini coefficient= 0.3332
  5. 5Income share of the richest 20%= 43.50
  6. 6Palma ratio (top 20% / bottom 40%)= 2.339
  7. 7Interpretation= Moderate inequality

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does quintile data understate the Gini?

Because grouping smooths the curve within each quintile. Gini from grouped data is typically a few points below the figure from individual records.

What is the Palma ratio?

The income of the richest 20% divided by that of the poorest 40%. It moves more visibly than the Gini because it ignores the stable middle.

Related Calculators

Gini Coefficient Calculator – Calculate Gini coefficient