Point Estimate Calculator

What Is a Point Estimate?

A point estimate is a single best guess for an unknown population parameter based on sample data. For proportions, common methods include MLE, Laplace, Jeffrey, and Wilson estimates. Use with the P Hat Calculator and Confidence Interval for Proportion Calculator.

Point Estimate Formulas

Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE):

$$\text{MLE} = \frac{S}{T}$$

Laplace estimation:

$$\text{Laplace} = \frac{S + 1}{T + 2}$$

Jeffrey estimation:

$$\text{Jeffrey} = \frac{S + 0.5}{T + 1}$$

Wilson estimation:

$$\text{Wilson} = \frac{S + z^2/2}{T + z^2}$$

Choosing the Best Estimate

If MLE ≤ 0.5, Wilson is preferred. If 0.5 < MLE < 0.9, use MLE. If MLE ≥ 0.9, choose the smaller of the Jeffrey and Laplace estimates.