Simple calculation of the unpaired t test.

Statistical evaluation of published research data is frequently difficult. A simple calculating equation, amenable to a pocket calculator, is presented, which allows statistical comparison of two groups of data when mean and standard error of the mean are known for each group. This equation is valid in all circumstances in which a t test can be applied, even if sample sizes or variances are unequal. Comparison with the standard published equations demonstrated identical results in all instances. This equation provides a simple method of calculating statistical significance when reading papers or attending meetings.