A good maximum sample size is usually 10% as long as it does not exceed 1000. A good maximum sample size is usually around 10% of the population, as long as this does not exceed 1000. For example, in a population of 5000, 10% would be 500. In a population of 200,000, 10% would be 20,000.

What is sample size good for?

The size of a sample influences two statistical properties: 1) the precision of our estimates and 2) the power of the study to draw conclusions. To use an example, we might choose to compare the performance of marathon runners who eat oatmeal for breakfast to the performance of those who do not.

Is a higher sample size better?

Sample size is an important consideration for research. Larger sample sizes provide more accurate mean values, identify outliers that could skew the data in a smaller sample and provide a smaller margin of error.