Ecology / CALCULATOR

Shannon Diversity from Species Counts

Shannon Diversity from Species Counts: explicit inputs, a worked example and clearly stated assumptions.

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Your inputs

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Formula

H=−Σpᵢ ln pᵢ; effective species=exp(H); evenness=H/ln(S).
  • Use the units shown beside each field.
  • Results update automatically whenever you change an input.
  • Displayed values use up to four decimal places, or scientific notation for very small or large numbers. Calculations use standard floating-point arithmetic; exact integer and fraction tools identify their own precision rules.
  • Uses natural logarithms and observed abundances. Zero-count species are excluded; no correction for sampling effort or unseen species.

Example Calculation

Example inputs
  • Observed species counts: 10,10,10,10

Four equally abundant species have H=ln(4)≈1.3863, effective species 4 and evenness 1.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use this calculator?

Enter observed species counts. The result updates automatically. Use Reset to restore the example values.

What method does it use?

H=−Σpᵢ ln pᵢ; effective species=exp(H); evenness=H/ln(S).. Uses natural logarithms and observed abundances. Zero-count species are excluded; no correction for sampling effort or unseen species.

Why might a rounded result differ?

The calculation keeps full numeric precision internally, then rounds the displayed result. Rounding intermediate steps by hand can produce a slightly different answer.

Are my inputs saved online?

No. This calculator processes your inputs in your browser. A recently used list stores only calculator names on this device, not your entered values.

Check the assumptions and units before using this result. Read about calculation methods.