This article is part of the probabilistic linkage training materials.

The relationship between Partial Match Weights, Bayes Factors, and Probabilities

This chart shows how the partial match weights in a Splink linker.match_weights_chart (see here) are related to Bayes Factors and probabilities.


Caveat: the ‘probability’ is really only defined if a prior exists. For the above chart, the prior is assumed to be 50%.


Conversion of partial match weight to probability





Conversion of probability to partial match weight





Additional resources

Also check the match weight calculator to more precisely calculate match weights, probabilities, and Bayes factors.

This article is part of the probabilistic linkage training materials.