Math & Statistics

Sample vs. Population in Statistics: What's the Difference?

In statistics, a population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a subset of that group actually measured. Results from a sample are used to estimate characteristics of the population. The distinction affects formulas: sample standard deviation divides by n − 1, population standard deviation by n.

Example

If the population is every customer of a store, a survey of 200 customers is a sample.

Sampling Error

Estimates from a sample differ from the true population value by chance; larger random samples generally reduce this error.

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🔗 Related Terms

Standard Deviation Standard Error Variance Mean (Average)

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Last updated: September 27, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.