HHI Calculator
Estimate market concentration with the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index from a list of market share percentages. This page also keeps the formula, examples, FAQs, and references close by so you can check the result with confidence.
What This HHI Calculator Helps You Do
HHI is the sum of the squared market shares. Review the formula and examples below if you want to see how the result is derived.
This page is meant to give you a fast answer, but it also helps you double-check the math before you make a decision. Start with the inputs that you already know, run the calculation, and then compare the output with the formula, examples, and FAQs below so you can see whether the answer fits the situation you are modeling.
If the result looks off, the usual causes are a unit mismatch, a missing decimal, the wrong scenario, or a value that needs to be entered as a rate instead of a total. The notes on this page are designed to make those checks easy without forcing you to leave the calculator and search for context elsewhere.
- Use the calculator first for a quick estimate.
- Use the formula to understand how the result is built.
- Use the examples to compare common use cases.
- Use the references when the answer depends on a standard or assumption.
Common Checks
A quick result is useful, but the best result is one that still makes sense when you look at it a second time. If you are comparing scenarios, try changing one input at a time so you can see which variable has the biggest impact on the final answer. That makes it much easier to spot whether the calculation matches your expectations.
It also helps to keep the context of the problem in mind. A calculator can tell you the math, but you still need to decide whether the input represents a total, a rate, an average, or a category-specific assumption. When in doubt, start with a simple example from the page and scale up from there.
- Check that every unit matches the rest of the problem.
- Keep rates, totals, and averages separate.
- Adjust one variable at a time when testing scenarios.
- Use the smallest realistic input first, then scale upward.
Scenario Planning
This calculator is especially useful when you want a quick answer before you commit time, money, or effort. Try one baseline input set, then change a single number and compare the result so you can see how sensitive the answer is to that variable.
That makes the page useful for more than just arithmetic. It becomes a small decision aid that helps you compare options, test assumptions, and explain the final number with confidence when you need to share it with someone else.
Result
--
How to Calculate HHI Calculator
- Enter the market shares: List the market shares of the firms in percent, separated by commas or spaces.
- Count the firms: The calculator counts how many shares you entered and ignores blank values.
- Square and sum: Each market share is squared and added to produce the HHI score.
- Interpret the result: Use the HHI score to judge whether the market is competitive or concentrated.
HHI Calculator Formula
| Variable | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| s | Market share of each firm | % |
| n | Number of firms in the market | firms |
Worked Examples
- Market shares: 35, 22, 20, 10, 8, 3, 2
Result: HHI = 2,286 points
The market is moderately concentrated.
- Market shares: 60, 25, 10, 5
Result: HHI = 4,250 points
The market is highly concentrated.
- Market shares: 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
Result: HHI = 2,000 points
The market sits in the moderate concentration band.
- Market shares: 12, 10, 9, 8, 8, 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1
Result: HHI = 692 points
The market is relatively competitive.
HHI Interpretation Chart
Higher HHI values mean a more concentrated market.
| Range | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 | Highly competitive | Concentration is low. |
| 100-1500 | Unconcentrated | Most markets with many firms land here. |
| 1500-2500 | Moderately concentrated | Review merger effects carefully. |
| > 2500 | Highly concentrated | Potential antitrust concern. |
| HHI | Meaning | Antitrust view | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 100 | Highly competitive | Very low concentration | Usually no concern |
| 100-1,500 | Unconcentrated | Low concentration | Usually manageable |
| 1,500-2,500 | Moderately concentrated | Medium concentration | Review carefully |
| Above 2,500 | Highly concentrated | High concentration | Potential antitrust concern |
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Last reviewed: March 30, 2026