# How to use Stata svyset on IPUMS CPS data correctly? **URL:** \ **Category:** CPS\ **Created:** [November 13, 2016, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-use-stata-svyset-on-ipums-cps-data-correctly/1489 "2016-11-13T14:23:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bobZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8dc957/32.png) [@bobZ](https://forum.ipums.org/u/bobZ)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2016, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-use-stata-svyset-on-ipums-cps-data-correctly/1489/1 "2016-11-13T14:23:00Z")
I am using yearly data from IPUMS CPS for an empirical analysis at the individual level. From the FAQs on the IPUMS CPS website I understood that I need to use the sample weights (WTSUPP) in order to obtain correct estimates. My analysis is in Stata, so I intend to use the command “svyset”. I am having difficulties in finding the information and understanding from the website of IPUMS CPS what exactly are the following parameters that I need to specify in Stata: - the primary sampling units - the strata - the finite population correction Is this information available? Thank you for your help! ---
**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:** [November 14, 2016, 4:18pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-use-stata-svyset-on-ipums-cps-data-correctly/1489/2 "2016-11-14T16:18:00Z")
First, a couple notes about the various person-level weight variables available for use in the CPS data: [WTFINL](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/WTFINL#description_section) is a person-level weight that should be used in analyses of CPS basic monthly data. When analyzing ASEC data, researchers should use the person-level weight [WTSUPP](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/wtsupp#description_section). Finally, [EARNWT](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/EARNWT#codes_section) should be used for any analysis including a small number of person-level variables (EARNWEEK, HOURWAGE, PAIDHOUR, and UNION). Second, STATA has several commands that can be used to weight sample data. [Here is a bit of the documentation](http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?weight) from STATA about the weight options that can be added onto the end of most STATA commands. Typically, the “pweight” option is what should be used with microdata. However, there is not one single “correct” way to weight data, so be sure to take a look at the STATA documentation. I hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Mulcahy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Michael\_Mulcahy](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Michael_Mulcahy)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 6:06pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-use-stata-svyset-on-ipums-cps-data-correctly/1489/3 "2021-05-11T18:06:07Z")
[…5 years later…] Helped me! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![kobkabnaja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8e8cbc/32.png) [@kobkabnaja](https://forum.ipums.org/u/kobkabnaja)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2025, 9:53pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-use-stata-svyset-on-ipums-cps-data-correctly/1489/4 "2025-08-28T21:53:33Z")
9 years later and it still helps! Follow-up question: Did you apply any discount to the weight since you used monthly weight data for the yearly analysis? I’d appreciate any suggestions you have. ---
**Author:** ![Isabel\_Pastoor](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/isabel_pastoor/32/788_2.png) [@Isabel\_Pastoor](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Isabel_Pastoor)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2025, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-use-stata-svyset-on-ipums-cps-data-correctly/1489/5 "2025-09-03T18:23:45Z")
I will continue to reply to [your forum thread here](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-to-count-people-in-a-specific-occupation-with-wtfinl/6742/2).