Species Diversity Calculator

Calculate species diversity using the Shannon Diversity Index based on species count and individual distribution.

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Shannon Diversity Index

1.842 H'

Maximum Possible H'2.303 H'max
Evenness (J)0.80 J
Average per Species20.0 individuals

Shannon Diversity Index vs Number of Species

View formula & how it works →

How to Calculate Species Diversity

The Shannon Diversity Index (H') measures both species richness and evenness of distribution.

Formula

H' = -Sum(pi * ln(pi)) for each species

Simplified: H' = ln(S) * J

Where S = number of species, J = evenness (0-1)

Interpretation

  • H' < 1: Low diversity
  • H' = 1.5-3.5: Moderate diversity
  • H' > 3.5: High diversity

    • Example Calculation

    A habitat with 10 species, 200 total individuals, and 0.8 evenness.

    1. 01Max diversity: ln(10) = 2.303
    2. 02Shannon index: 2.303 * 0.8 = 1.842
    3. 03Average per species: 200 / 10 = 20 individuals
    4. 04This indicates moderate diversity

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