Degree Based Entropy Calculator

Shannon entropy of degree distribution

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About Degree Based Entropy Calculator

A degree-based entropy calculator computing H_d(G) = -Σ (d(v)/2m) log₂(d(v)/2m). Shannon entropy applied to normalized degree sequence. Dehmer (2008). Measures degree heterogeneity. H_d = 0 iff all degrees equal (regular). H_d = log₂(n) for maximally diverse. Client-side.

Degree Based Entropy Calculator Features

  • H_d(G)
  • -Σp·log₂p
  • Shannon
  • Dehmer '08
  • Common graphs
Degree-based entropy H_d(G) = -Σ (d(v)/2m)·log₂(d(v)/2m). Applies Shannon's information entropy to the degree sequence treated as a probability distribution. Dehmer (2008). Maximum entropy ↔ maximally irregular. Zero entropy ↔ regular.

How to Use

Select graph:

  • H_d: Degree entropy
  • p(v): d(v)/2m
  • Bits: Information

Information View

Low H_d: predictable degrees (regular, few distinct values). High H_d: unpredictable degrees (many distinct values, spread out). H_d measures how much 'information' is in the degree sequence.

Bounds

0 ≤ H_d ≤ log₂(n). H_d = log₂(n) iff all p(v) equal iff regular n-regular. H_d near 0: nearly all degree concentrated in one vertex (star-like).

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Select graph.
  2. 2Compute p(v) = d(v)/2m.
  3. 3For each v: -p·log₂(p).
  4. 4Sum all terms.
  5. 5Compare with log₂(n).

Degree Based Entropy Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions

Entropy vs Bell B?+

B = variance of degrees (statistical spread). H_d = Shannon entropy (information-theoretic spread). Both measure heterogeneity but in different mathematical frameworks. They correlate but don't agree exactly.

Maximum entropy graph?+

H_d = log₂(n) for regular graphs. All vertices contribute equally to edge count. Maximum 'surprise' about which vertex an edge touches. Counter-intuitive: regular = max entropy!

Why base 2?+

Base 2 gives entropy in bits. Base e (natural log) gives nats. Base 10 gives hartleys. Conventional choice. The relative ordering doesn't change with base — only the scale.

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