Enter the population of the largest city and the population of the analyzed city into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Rank Size Rule.
Rank Size Rule Formula
n = P1/Pn
Variables:
- n is the Rank Size Rule (rank size)
- P1 is the population of the largest city
- Pn is the population of the analyzed city
To calculate Rank Size Rule, divide the population of the largest city by the population of the currently analyzed city.
How to Calculate Rank Size Rule?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Rank Size Rule.
- First, determine the population of the largest city.
- Next, determine the population of the analyzed city.
- Next, gather the formula from above = n = P1/Pn.
- Finally, calculate the Rank Size Rule.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
population of the largest city = 40000
population of the analyzed city = 30000
FAQs
What is the significance of the Rank Size Rule in urban planning?
The Rank Size Rule is significant in urban planning as it helps in understanding the distribution of cities within a country. It can indicate the level of urbanization and economic development, guiding planners in resource allocation and infrastructure development.
How does the Rank Size Rule affect economic policies?
Economic policies are often influenced by the Rank Size Rule through its implications on market size, transportation costs, and regional development. By understanding the distribution of city sizes, policymakers can tailor economic strategies to promote balanced regional growth and efficient service delivery.
Can the Rank Size Rule predict future population growth?
While the Rank Size Rule provides insights into the current urban hierarchy, it is not a predictive model of future population growth. However, it can be used alongside other models to forecast urban expansion and migration patterns based on historical data and current trends.
Are there exceptions to the Rank Size Rule?
Yes, there are exceptions to the Rank Size Rule. Some countries do not follow the typical rank-size distribution due to various factors such as historical development, geographic constraints, and economic policies. Instead, they may exhibit a primate city pattern where one city is markedly larger than the rest.
