Description
Require maximumProbability in (0, 1] and return -log2(maximumProbability) as bits.
Entropy summarizes uncertainty under a specified probability model and logarithm convention. Support indicators, one-symbol terms, and exponentiated entropies are components with different meanings.
Require maximumProbability in (0, 1] and return -log2(maximumProbability) as bits.
When to use this tool
Use Min Entropy Maxsymbol Contribution when you need one explicitly scoped entropy or support calculation.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter maximumProbability. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read bits. Use the output convention below.
Require maximumProbability in (0, 1] and return -log2(maximumProbability) as bits.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| maximumProbability | Maximum Probability | Required. Finite number; minimum 0; maximum 1; strictly above 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| bits | Information quantity measured in bits. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"maximumProbability": 0.25
},
"output": {
"bits": 2
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The caller must provide the true maximum of a normalized distribution; that fact is not verified by this single-value calculation.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Validate and align complete probability distributions before aggregating terms or interpreting an uncertainty estimate.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Information: Entropy Effective Alphabet Size
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- Information: Discrete Support Determinism Flag
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