Meta-analysis subgroup Q partition
Partition fixed-weight heterogeneity into within- and between-subgroup components.
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Use 2–10 named subgroups with at least two studies each; estimates must share a scale and SEs must be positive. Labels are case-sensitive.
The starting values are hypothetical. Results update as you edit. Use aggregate or synthetic inputs only.
Calculation results
- Total Q
- 15.025
- Within-subgroup Q
- 0.625
- Between-subgroup Q
- 14.4
- Between df
- 1
- Approximate interaction p
- 0.00014780231
How to interpret the output
With common inverse-variance weights, Qbetween=Qtotal−sum(Qwithin). The chi-square approximation uses groups−1 degrees of freedom. This ecological subgroup comparison is vulnerable to confounding, low power and multiplicity. It is not an individual-level treatment interaction or a random-effects subgroup test.
Method referenceSource checked 2026-11-06. Read the reproducible calculator validation report.