Calculate Human Development Index from life expectancy, schooling, and GNI per capita using UNDP goalposts, or find GNI needed to reach a target HDI.

Uses the 2025 UNDP method and 2021 PPP income basis. This is an educational scenario; official HDI depends on UNDP source data and adjustments.

HDI Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the HDI.

HDI = (Iโ‚• ร— Iโ‚‘ ร— Iแตข)1 / 3
  • Where HDI is the human development index
  • Ih is the health index
  • Ie is the education index
  • Ii is the income index

To calculate the HDI, multiply the health, education, and income indices together, then raise the result to the one third power.

The component goalposts and geometric-mean method are documented in the 2025 UNDP technical notes. Use GNI in 2021 PPP dollars. The calculator reports any inputs adjusted to its goalposts; the target-income mode holds health and education fixed.

HDI Definition

HDI stands for the Human Development Index, a summary of health, education and income achievements. UNDP groups scores into low (below 0.550), medium (0.550โ€“0.699), high (0.700โ€“0.799) and very high (0.800 or above) human development. These are not โ€œfirst, second or third worldโ€ classifications.

HDI Example

How to calculate HDI?

  1. First, determine the health index.

    Calculate the health index.

  2. Next, determine the education index.

    Calculate the education index.

  3. Next, determine the income index.

    Calculate the income index.

  4. Finally, calculate the HDI.

    Calculate the human development index using the formula above.

FAQ

What is HDI?

HDI is a measure of the current development level of a country.