Perhekoko

Perhekoko is a Finnish term that denotes the size of a family unit. In common use, it refers to the number of people considered to belong to the family living together, such as parents and their children.

Etymology: The term is a compound of perhe, meaning “family,” and koko, meaning “size.”

In statistics and policy contexts, perhekoko is often used to describe family size rather than total household size, which can include unrelated residents. However, definitions vary by dataset and data collection method.

Data on perhekoko appear in national censuses, population registers, and social surveys in Finland. Perhekoko figures help analyze demand for services such as education, childcare, housing, and family support.

Because survey definitions differ, researchers should consult the methodological notes when comparing perhekoko across studies or with international measures such as “family size” and “household size” used in other countries.