The Definition
Circulation is the number of copies a magazine or newspaper prints for each issue.
Why It’s Important to Know
The circulation value offers a great way to assess the number of individuals reached in regards to media placement. It also allows the measurement of distribution to be calculated. For example, when media outlets such as The New York Times or Vogue release a publication, they often refer to the number of copies sold to evaluate their current outreach.
Circulation vs. Readership
Circulation can also often be confused with the term, “readership.” Readership, however, can vary significantly. This is mainly because a singular copy can be read and passed around by numerous individuals. The key to evaluating the differences between readership and circulation is to look carefully at what is being assessed.