IFAS Extension
Release Date: 1/22/2026
Administration
Abstract
Perhaps the most frequently asked question concerning sampling is "What size sample do I need?" The answer to this question is influenced by a number of factors, including the purpose of the study, population size, the risk of selecting a "bad" sample, and the allowable sampling error. This paper reviews criteria for specifying a sample size and presents several strategies for determining the sample size.
About this Publication
This document is PEOD6, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Original publication date November 1992. Revised April 2009. Reviewed June 2013. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
How to Cite
Israel, G. D. (2009). Determining Sample Size. EDIS, 2009(5). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-pd006-1992
Authors
Glenn Israel
Specialist
University of Florida
professor emeritus, Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
Contacts
Sebastian Galindo
Specialist
University of Florida
research associate professor, UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication