McNemar Test Definition, Examples, Calculation

Statistics Definitions > McNemar Test Example

What is the McNemar Test?

The McNemar test is a non-parametric test for paired nominal data. It’s used when you are interested in finding a change in proportion for the paired data. For example, you could use this test to analyze retrospective case-control studies, where each treatment is paired with a control. It could also be used to analyze an experiment where two treatments are given to matched pairs. This test is sometimes referred to as McNemar’s Chi-Square test because the test statistic has a chi-square distribution.

Assumptions for the McNemar Test

The three main assumptions for the test are:

  1. You must have one nominal variable with two categories (i.e. dichotomous variables) and one independent variable with two connected groups.
  2. The two groups in your the dependent variable must be mutually exclusive. In other words, participants cannot appear in more than one group.
  3. Your sample must be a random sample.

If your data does not meet these three assumptions, considering running another test for your data like a regular chi-square test.

Calculating the Test

In order to run a McNemar test, your data should be placed into a 2×2 contingency table, with the cell frequencies equaling the number of pairs. For example, a researcher is testing a new medication and records if the drug worked (“yes”) or did not (“no”). A table is set up with the count of individuals before and after being given the medication. The cell labels a-d are in blue:
mcnemar test 2


Cells b and c are used to calculate the test statistic; these cells are called “discordant.”
The McNemar test formula is:
mcnemar test
For the set of data above, we have:
= (100-10)2 / (100 + 10)
= 902 / 110
= 73.63

You have several options for calculating the McNemar test using technology, including:

  1. This online calculator will calculate the McNemar test using inputs for any 2×2 contingency table that you provide input for.
  2. SPSS: The binomial distribution is used for the McNemar test. You can find excellent instructions here on the SFU website.

Comments? Need to post a correction? Please Contact Us.

Join us on our YouTube Channel