How this calculation works
Convert a single outcome probability into its information content.
THE FORMULA
I=−log₂(p)A worked example
An outcome with a one-in-eight probability carries 3 bits of information.
Good to know
This measures surprise for an outcome. Entropy averages it over possible outcomes.
Reference: OpenStax Introductory Statistics (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Convert a single outcome probability into its information content.
The primary result is labeled “Information (bits)”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
This measures surprise for an outcome. Entropy averages it over possible outcomes.
For a related exercise, try the statistics calculator.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
An outcome with a one-in-eight probability carries 3 bits of information.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
I=−log₂(p)