Relative risk
How many times bigger one risk is than another. 'Doubles your risk' is relative; the absolute risk might only go from 1 in 10,000 to 2 in 10,000.
In plain English
Relative numbers sound dramatic; absolute numbers tell you how much it matters. If a risk doubles from 1 in 10,000 to 2 in 10,000, one extra person in every 10,000 is affected. Always ask: out of how many?
Uncle Gary explains
A headline says Uncle Gary's favourite snack 'doubles the risk' of a rare illness. Aunt Linda looks up the absolute numbers. Gary keeps the snack, but loses the argument.
Why it matters for your money
'Three times more likely to retire early' means nothing without the base rate, and usually hides a third factor too.
Where we tested it
Related terms
All glossary terms. Educational content, not financial advice.