Bench Notes | 3 November 2026

Why is every sample size 384?

The famous number is not a rule. It is what happens when everyone uses the same assumptions.

Four proposal sheets connected by fine lines to n = 384.

Open enough research proposals and you start to notice something.

384.

Again. And again. Different topics. Different populations. Different districts. Somehow, the sample size is still 384.

So where does that number actually come from? It is not a universal sample size. It appears when you use a familiar set of assumptions:

95% confidence5% precision50% expected prevalencea very large population

Change the assumptions and the number changes too.

Read

Why the assumptions produce 384, and how to choose your own.

Read: Why does every sample size seem to be 384?

Watch

Play the Methods Bench video on where 384 comes from

See the calculation built step by step, and why changing the assumptions changes the answer.

Watch the video →

Try

toolSample Size CalculatorChange the expected prevalence or margin of error and watch the required sample move. 384 is an answer, not a rule.Try the Sample Size Calculator →

Opportunities worth a look

FellowshipFaculty for the Future 2027/28Deadline: 7 November 2026For women from eligible developing and emerging countries pursuing a STEM PhD or postdoctoral research abroad. Uganda is eligible. Best for: women in STEM with a strong academic record and an overseas host.See the opportunity →GrantAfrica-UniNet Research Cooperation ProjectsUp to €40,000 · up to 24 months · Deadline: 30 November 2026Supports collaborative research between African and Austrian member institutions. Best for: researchers who already have, or could build, an Austria–Africa institutional collaboration.See the opportunity →

One Thing

If Reviewer 2 asks: “Why 384?”

“Because Cochran’s formula gave me 384” is only half an answer. The better question is: why did you choose the assumptions that produced it?

What will Reviewer 2 say? Roast My Research before you submit.

Roast My Research before Reviewer 2 does →

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