Gender Wage Gap Calculator
Calculate gender wage gap percentages and differences. Compare average earnings between genders with neutral, data-driven analysis.
Wage Comparison
Average wage for male employees
Average wage for female employees
Gap Analysis
Enter wage data and click "Calculate Wage Gap" to see results
What Is the Gender Wage Gap?
The gender wage gap measures the difference in average earnings between genders. It compares income figures to show how pay levels differ within a group, organization, or dataset. The calculation focuses on averages and does not assume causes or intent.
Raw wage data can be confusing without proper context. This calculator applies consistent formulas to turn salary figures into clear percentages and absolute differences that are easy to understand and compare.
The goal is clarity and accuracy, providing neutral data that can support informed discussions about compensation equity.
Formula Used in the Calculator
Wage Gap Calculation Formulas
Wage Gap (%) = ((Higher Average − Lower Average) ÷ Higher Average) × 100
Absolute Difference = Higher Average − Lower Average
Where:
- Higher Average: The greater of the two wage averages being compared
- Lower Average: The smaller of the two wage averages being compared
- Wage Gap %: Percentage difference relative to the higher average
- Absolute Difference: Actual currency amount difference
This approach ensures consistent, neutral calculations regardless of which gender has higher average earnings.
Handling Different Pay Units
Wages can be reported in different time periods, making direct comparison challenging. The calculator supports three common pay frequencies:
Hourly
Per hour wages, common in hourly or part-time work.
Monthly
Monthly salaries, standard for salaried positions.
Annual
Yearly compensation, useful for comprehensive comparisons.
The calculator maintains consistency within each calculation but doesn't convert between frequencies, allowing you to compare apples-to-apples within your dataset.
Example Calculation
Office Salary Comparison
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Male Salary | $60,000 / year |
| Average Female Salary | $54,000 / year |
| Higher Average | $60,000 |
| Formula Applied | (60,000 − 54,000) ÷ 60,000 |
| Wage Gap | 10% |
| Absolute Difference | $6,000 |
Interpretation
This example shows a 10% wage gap, meaning the average female salary is $6,000 less than the average male salary. The gap is calculated relative to the higher average to provide a consistent, neutral measurement.
Final Thoughts
Wage comparisons should be accurate, neutral, and easy to explain. The Gender Wage Gap Calculator removes confusion by applying clear formulas and consistent units. Whether used for learning, reporting, or internal review, it delivers reliable insights without unnecessary complexity.
The calculator focuses on data presentation rather than interpretation, allowing users to draw their own conclusions from the numbers.