Quota Sampling Calculator
Find how many respondents to recruit from one stratum.
How quota sampling works
Quota sampling sets a target number of respondents for each subgroup (stratum) so the final sample mirrors known population proportions — for example, matching age or region splits.
Enter your total desired sample size and the stratum's share of the population as a percentage. The calculator returns how many respondents to recruit from that stratum.
Repeat the calculation once per stratum (e.g. once per age band or region) using the same total sample size, so the quotas across all strata sum to your overall target.
The formula
Quota = Total sample × Stratum's population share
Multiply the total desired sample size by the stratum's share of the population, then round to the nearest whole respondent.
Worked example
1,000 total sample, a stratum that is 32% of the population
1,000 × 0.32 = 320 respondents for that stratum.
Frequently asked questions
How is quota sampling different from stratified sampling?
Quota sampling sets recruitment targets and typically uses non-random (convenience) selection within each stratum. Stratified sampling formally samples at random within each stratum. Use the Stratified Sampling Calculator when your design is a probability sample.
Do my strata shares need to add up to 100%?
Yes — the stratum shares across all your quota groups should sum to 100% of the population you're representing, so the quotas add up to your total sample size.
What if I can't fill a quota?
That's a common fieldwork signal that the stratum is harder to reach than expected — consider extending fieldwork, adjusting incentives, or reporting the shortfall transparently rather than silently reallocating the quota.
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