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

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Quick Answer: 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.

How to Calculate HHI Calculator

  1. Enter the market shares: List the market shares of the firms in percent, separated by commas or spaces.
  2. Count the firms: The calculator counts how many shares you entered and ignores blank values.
  3. Square and sum: Each market share is squared and added to produce the HHI score.
  4. Interpret the result: Use the HHI score to judge whether the market is competitive or concentrated.

HHI Calculator Formula

HHI = s1^2 + s2^2 + ... + sn^2
Variable Meaning Unit
s Market share of each firm %
n Number of firms in the market firms

Worked Examples

USA - Seven-firm market
  • Market shares: 35, 22, 20, 10, 8, 3, 2

Result: HHI = 2,286 points

The market is moderately concentrated.

UK - Four-firm market
  • Market shares: 60, 25, 10, 5

Result: HHI = 4,250 points

The market is highly concentrated.

EU - Balanced market
  • Market shares: 20, 20, 20, 20, 20

Result: HHI = 2,000 points

The market sits in the moderate concentration band.

GCC - Many small firms
  • 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.
Higher HHI values mean a more concentrated market.
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

HHI measures market concentration using squared market shares.

This version accepts a list of up to 15 market shares.

A monopoly with one firm at 100% market share has an HHI of 10,000.

Squaring makes large firms count more heavily, which captures concentration better.

Yes. Regulators often use HHI to assess merger impacts.
Planning note: HHI is a screening tool. Legal and antitrust review may require more detailed market analysis.

References

Last reviewed: March 30, 2026