Editorial Policies

GIGAcalculator has a firm commitment to providing high-quality tools based on established science. Our goal is to deliver easy-to-use tools that prevent the majority of user errors in input or in interpretation of the outputs. Presenting accurate information on the usage and application of a calculator's output is also of primary importance to us.

To achieve these goals, we follow these editorial policies outlined below.

Acceptable tool policy

Mathematical and statistical modelling can address many problems, but not all problems can be solved through such means. GIGAcalculator is committed to developing tools only in fields where such modelling has proven benefits to amateur or professional users. For example, a calculator which works based on astrology would not be built, but tools based on physics and astronomy would be developed.

Sources of information

In developing calculators and other tools, we rely on authoritative primary sources such as:

  • scientific articles from peer-reviewed journals
  • meta-analyses and reports by reputable organizations such as the US CDC, WHO, UK's NHS, US IOM, EFSA, US AHA, US ACC
  • statistical datasets from authorities such as the U.S. Census Bureau, US NCHS, WHO, EuroStat, The World Bank, US FRED

Occasionally, when the topic demands it, we might also use:

  • books and textbooks from credentialed authors
  • well-sourced media reports
  • Encyclopedia entries

In such cases all information is double and triple-checked, whenever possible.

Testing and Quality Assurance

To determine their output maps correctly to the input in the first place, the GIGAcalculator team takes the following steps to verify all formulas used:

  • verify tool outputs versus those presented in scenarios discussed in the primary sources
  • cross-reference our tools with existing ones (if such exist)
  • statistical tools are validated through simulations which ensure the reported statistics are correct under the specified assumptions
  • the random number generator (RNG) used in our randomizers is tested for statistical unbiasedness

All calculators and other tools undergo regular quality assurance tests to ensure their proper functioning.

Regular updates & revisions

Calculators in fields of active scientific research such as health & medicine undergo regular revisions to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest scientific research and recommendations by relevant organizations.

Minimization of user errors

A stated goal of GIGAcalculator is to assist its users in making a correct use of our tools and their output. To this end, we craft the user interface in a way that reduces the probability of user input errors. The calculators also perform rigorous validation of all inputs and produce actionable error messages. The contextual help information assists users in making their input choices correctly, while the extensive supporting documentation below each tool helps users interpret the output of their calculations correctly.

Processing of user feedback

Occasionally, we get user reports that a tool results in unexpected output. GIGAcalculator's team promptly follows through on all such reports by replicating the issue, if possible, investigating the claimed discrepancy, and addressing it as necessary. Even if it is a case of a user misunderstanding or misreading the output we explore ways to improve on the calculator interface or add more explanatory information.

No "AI" use

We are committed to the quality of both our tools and their supporting information. To this end, we do not use so-called "AI" models (LLMs) to develop or test our tools, nor do we use them to write any part of the accompanying information.