Calculate the dependency ratio per 100 working-age people from dependents aged 0–14 and 65+ versus the 15–64 working-age population.
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Dependency Ratio Formula
The dependency ratio compares the dependent population to the working-age population. It is usually reported as the number of dependents per 100 working-age people.
Dependency\ Ratio = \frac{Dependents}{Working\ Age\ Population} * 100- Dependency Ratio is the number of dependents per 100 people ages 15 to 64.
- Dependents are people ages 0 to 14 plus people ages 65 and older.
- Working Age Population is the number of people ages 15 to 64.
The calculator takes the number of dependents and divides it by the working-age population. It then multiplies the result by 100 so the answer is expressed per 100 working-age people. You can enter population counts or matching percentages, as long as both inputs use the same basis.
Dependency Ratio Interpretation
Use the table below as a general guide for reading the result. The meaning can vary by country, region, labor force participation, and public support systems.
| Dependency ratio | Meaning | Example interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Below 40 | Lower dependency burden | Fewer than 40 dependents for every 100 working-age people. |
| 40 to 60 | Moderate dependency burden | Common range for many populations with a balanced age structure. |
| Above 60 | Higher dependency burden | More than 60 dependents for every 100 working-age people. |
Age Groups Used in the Dependency Ratio
| Age group | Category | Used as |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 | Youth dependent population | Included in dependents |
| 15 to 64 | Working-age population | Used as the denominator |
| 65 and older | Older dependent population | Included in dependents |
Example Dependency Ratio Calculations
Example 1: A population has 30,000 dependents and 60,000 working-age people.
Dependency\ Ratio = \frac{30000}{60000} * 100 = 50The dependency ratio is 50. This means there are 50 dependents for every 100 working-age people.
Example 2: A population has 18,500 dependents and 50,000 working-age people.
Dependency\ Ratio = \frac{18500}{50000} * 100 = 37The dependency ratio is 37. This means there are 37 dependents for every 100 working-age people.
Dependency Ratio Calculator FAQ
What does a dependency ratio of 70 mean?
A dependency ratio of 70 means there are 70 dependents for every 100 working-age people. Dependents include people ages 0 to 14 and people ages 65 and older.
Can I use percentages instead of population counts?
Yes. You can use percentages if both inputs are based on the same total population. For example, if dependents are 35% of the population and working-age people are 65%, enter 35 and 65. The result is 53.85 dependents per 100 working-age people.
Is the dependency ratio the same as unemployment?
No. The dependency ratio is based only on age groups. It does not show how many working-age people are actually employed or unemployed. Some people ages 15 to 64 may not be working, and some people 65 or older may still be working.
