How To Calculate Minor Allele Frequency By Hand

Introduction & Importance

Minor allele frequency (MAF) is a crucial genetic parameter that measures the prevalence of a specific allele in a population. Calculating MAF by hand is essential for understanding genetic variation and its impact on health and disease.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the genotypes of the individuals in your sample.
2. Enter the sample size.
3. Click “Calculate”.

Formula & Methodology

The MAF is calculated as the number of minor alleles divided by the total number of alleles in the sample. The formula is:

MAF = (Number of minor alleles) / (Total number of alleles)

Real-World Examples

Data & Statistics

MAF Comparison in Different Populations

Population	MAF
African	0.45
European	0.12
Asian	0.31

Expert Tips

• Always ensure your sample is representative of the population you’re studying.
• Consider using a chi-square test to compare MAFs between populations.

Interactive FAQ

What is a minor allele?

The minor allele is the less common allele in a population.

Learn more about MAF from NIH

Explore MAF in scientific literature