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Clinical Trials · PAR-NI-C

Sample Size for a Non-Inferiority Trial with a Continuous Outcome

Use this calculator to plan a two-arm non-inferiority trial with a continuous primary outcome when the maximum acceptable loss relative to the active control is prespecified.

1. Planning setup

Outcome direction

Enter 1 for equal allocation, 2 for 2:1, or 0.5 for 1:2.

2. Information obtained from previous study / literature

3. Information decided by the researcher

4. Results

Enter the trial assumptions and select Calculate.

Formula, assumptions, limitations, and methodological note

Example clinical scenario

A randomized trial compares change in lung-function score between a simpler inhaler and standard therapy and is designed to exclude a clinically unacceptable loss of benefit.

Formula and methodological note

This calculator uses the specified Chow et al. large-sample normal-approximation method for two independent parallel groups. It assumes the planned allocation ratio, no clustering or pairing, and no covariate adjustment. It does not implement exact, score-based, Farrington–Manning, crossover, repeated-measures, or cluster-trial methods.

Method references

  1. Chow SC, Shao J, Wang H, Lokhnygina Y. Sample Size Calculations in Clinical Research. 3rd ed. CRC Press; 2018. Eq. 3.12.

Suggested citation

Yaacob, Najib Majdi. “Sample Size for a Non-Inferiority Trial with a Continuous Outcome (PAR-NI-C).” Web calculator. NajibMY, 2026. Accessed July 29, 2026. http://127.0.0.1:4321/tools/sample-size/clinical-complex-study-designs/non-inferiority-continuous-outcome/.