Understanding Risk: Absolute and Relative Risk in Health and Money News

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About Course

“Doubles your risk!” headlines can sound alarming – but double of what? This course explains the difference between absolute and relative risk, how to turn percentages into “natural frequencies” such as 3 in 1,000, how to compare risks fairly, and the questions to ask about any risk claim in health, finance or the news.

Tutwoo is an independent learning provider. This is a general skills course designed to support everyday and workplace English and maths, with reference to the Department for Education’s Functional Skills subject content. It is not an accredited qualification.

© 2026 Tutwoo UK Limited. This course was created in-house by Tutwoo and is our original work. It is for your own learning only: please do not copy, share, record or resell it.

What Will You Learn?

  • Tell the difference between absolute and relative risk
  • Convert between percentages, decimals and "x in 1,000" frequencies
  • Work out absolute risk differences from relative risk claims
  • Ask the right questions about risk statistics in news and advertising

Course Content

Course Lessons

  • Absolute and relative risk
  • Natural frequencies and fair comparisons
  • Questions to ask about risk claims

Sources & Further Reading
The official guidance this course is based on.

Final Assessment

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