Total fertility rate

The total fertility rate (TFR) can be interpreted as the number of children a woman would have during her lifetime if she were to experience the fertility rates of the period at each age. Though the TFR and completed fertility are often at similar levels, the two indicators may diverge when fertility timing is modified. Postponement of births brings down the total fertility rate, even if completed fertility remains unchanged.

The sum of the age-specific fertility rates for a particular period (usually a year).