A population distribution that is used to create rates that have the same age structure, so that different rates can be properly compared. See age-standardized rates.

A specific population whose age (and sex) distribution) is used in the calculation of standardized rates. The standard population used in Injury Surveillance on Line is the 1991 Canadian population.

As arbitrary distribution of a characteristic (for example, age) used as a common standard for two groups when comparing their rates.

Polulation comparisons are adjusted for age differences by expressing outcomes in terms of age distribution of the standard population. See age-standardized rates.

A standard population for a geographic area, such as the U.S. or the world, is a table giving the proportions of the population falling into the age groups 0, 1-4, 5-9,…, 80-84, and 85+.