# How do I use sample weights to get representative data?

**URL:** <https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-do-i-use-sample-weights-to-get-representative-data/1731>\
**Category:** CPS\
**Created:** [May 10, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-do-i-use-sample-weights-to-get-representative-data/1731 "2017-05-10T14:43:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mbursh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@mbursh](https://forum.ipums.org/u/mbursh)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-do-i-use-sample-weights-to-get-representative-data/1731/1 "2017-05-10T14:43:00Z")

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I’ve downloaded some CPS data from 2015 and the age distribution is basically uniform. How can I use sample weights to get representative data? Which weight variable would I use and how would I apply this?

Thank you!

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**Author:** ![JeffBloem](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/jeffbloem/32/40_2.png) [@JeffBloem](https://forum.ipums.org/u/JeffBloem)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-do-i-use-sample-weights-to-get-representative-data/1731/2 "2017-05-10T15:10:00Z")

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IPUMS CPS has a “[What are weights](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/faq#ques7)” FAQ that may be of use. In general, if you are using basic monthly sample data, then the [WTFINL](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/WTFINL#description_section) variable should be used. If you are using ASEC samples then the [WTSUPP](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/WTSUPP#codes_section) variable should be used. There are a few exceptions, for example [EARNWT](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/EARNWT#description_section) should be used when analyzing [Earner Study](https://cps.ipums.org/cps/outgoing_rotation_notes.shtml) variables.