Growth by numbers: an introduction to GDP

We often hear about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the news – but what does it actually mean, and how do we estimate the number that makes the headlines?

In this beginner-friendly webinar, we’ll explore what GDP is, how it’s measured, and what it can tell us about the economy. We’ll also look at what data we use to measure the UK’s economic growth—such as your household spending or the value of things we buy—and how it can help us compare the UK’s economic growth to other countries across the world.

We’ll be joined by a guest speaker who will share more insight into how GDP can be an important tool for policy and decision-makers to make positive changes for our communities.

Whether you’re part of a local organisation, a curious citizen, or just want to understand more about the numbers you hear in the news, this session will help you make sense of GDP and why it matters to all of us.

We will be using Slido during this event.

Learn more about the series

From health to inflation or the environment to migration, we explore how statistics are used to help us make better choices and improve our public services.

‘Bringing data to life’ is a series of online events, hosted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which explore how your data makes a difference. We will explain the life cycle of statistics, from how we gather the data to releasing the figures that shape the future.

You will hear from people who work with data across government, exploring how they create statistics, where they have made an impact, and how your data is kept safe. These interactive events are open to anyone who wants to know more about how we tell the story of our society through numbers.

The events will take place through Microsoft Teams. They will also be recorded and available to watch later. We encourage you to support the ‘Bringing data to life’ series by using #StatisticsForThePublicGood on LinkedIn, X and Threads.

Getting in touch

For more information about this event, please visit the ONS website, or email engagement.hub@ons.gov.uk.

All information submitted via Eventbrite will be held in line with the Office for National Statistics privacy policy.