Step-by-step walkthrough

A/B Test Sample Size Calculator Guide

Use this companion guide beside the interactive calculator to make sure you understand the “why” behind every click. Each section includes the classroom explanation, student-friendly language, and quick practice prompts.

Before you start

Collect the data points listed below and double-check their units. Keeping an organized “givens” list is one of the fastest ways to reduce math errors and impress exam graders.

  • ab testing
  • sample size
  • power analysis
  • minimum detectable effect

Detailed procedure

  1. Step 1

    Enter your current conversion rate (control) and the absolute lift you want to be able to detect.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a confidence level (alpha) and statistical power (1 − beta).

  3. Step 3

    Optional: provide daily visitors to estimate how long the test will need to gather that many samples.

Teaching & troubleshooting tips

Does this assume a 50/50 split?

Yes. The calculator sizes a classic A/B test with equal traffic per variant. If you plan an uneven allocation, adjust the per-variant totals accordingly.

Why does the sample size explode for tiny lifts?

Detecting minuscule changes demands a very small denominator (p₂ − p₁). When the effect size shrinks, the required sample grows quadratically—plan for more time or accept a larger detectable lift.

Next steps