The main numbers
- The British inquiry recorded an overall Titanic survival rate of 32.30 percent, or 711 survivors among 2,201 people aboard.
- First class passengers had a 62.46 percent survival rate, compared with 41.40 percent in second class and 25.21 percent in third class.
- Adult women had a much higher survival rate than adult men in the inquiry table, while crew survival also varied sharply by department.
- Different passenger and crew databases produce slightly different totals, but every major dataset shows the same broad inequalities.
Survival rate by class and crew
These bars use the passenger and crew totals printed in the British Wreck Commissioner’s final report.
203 saved out of 325.
118 saved out of 285.
711 saved out of 2,201.
178 saved out of 706.
212 saved out of 885.
The report’s 711-survivor total is higher than the familiar modern shorthand of about 705 because historical lists and classifications differ slightly.
Titanic survival statistics from the British inquiry
The table keeps the original inquiry dataset together so the rates can be compared without mixing figures from different modern databases.
| Group | Saved | Total aboard | Survival rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| All passengers and crew | 711 | 2,201 | 32.30% |
| All passengers | 499 | 1,316 | 37.94% |
| First class passengers | 203 | 325 | 62.46% |
| Second class passengers | 118 | 285 | 41.40% |
| Third class passengers | 178 | 706 | 25.21% |
| Crew | 212 | 885 | 23.95% |
| Adult men, passengers and crew | 338 | 1,667 | 20.27% |
| Adult women, passengers and crew | 316 | 425 | 74.35% |
| Children, passengers and crew | 57 | 109 | 52.29% |
The inquiry appendix used a different classification and printed 322 first-class, 277 second-class, and 709 third-class passengers. This site keeps the final-report figures together on the class pages so the percentages remain internally consistent.
Why first class passengers had the highest survival rate
First class passengers generally began closer to the boat deck and to the public rooms where stewards and officers could be seen. Their routes upward were shorter and more familiar than those faced by many people in the lower parts of the ship. First class women also benefited strongly from the priority given to women and children during lifeboat loading.
The 62.46 percent class rate does not mean every first class passenger had an easy escape. Adult men in first class still had a much lower survival rate than adult women, and many well-known first class passengers died. The class total combines very different outcomes by gender and family situation.
Why third class survival was much lower
Third class accommodation was spread through lower and more distant parts of the ship. Many passengers were immigrants traveling in family groups, some spoke limited English, and the routes to the upper decks could be confusing even before flooding and crowd movement made them harder to follow.
Class was not a single locked-door explanation. Testimony describes barriers, controlled passages, delayed movement, and uneven guidance, but it also shows families reaching the boats by different routes. The important statistical point is that third class passengers as a group reached the evacuation area later and survived at far lower rates than first class passengers.
Why women survived at a much higher rate than men
Officers repeatedly gave priority to women and children, although the rule was applied differently on the port and starboard sides. Adult women therefore occupied a large share of lifeboat seats, while many adult men were held back or waited until boats were close to leaving.
The overall adult-male category also includes a large crew population. Many crew members remained at work preparing boats, keeping machinery operating, sending wireless messages, guiding passengers, or carrying out orders. Their duties reduced the time available to seek a place in a boat.
Crew survival differed by department
The British report counted 43 survivors from the deck department, 72 from the engine-room department, and 97 from the victualling department. Those figures produced survival rates of 65.15 percent, 22.15 percent, and 19.63 percent respectively.
Department totals reflect both work location and evacuation duties. Deck crew were directly involved with lifeboats and several left as boat crews. Engineers, firemen, trimmers, stewards, cooks, and other workers often remained below or continued helping passengers until the final stages.
Why different Titanic datasets give different percentages
The inquiry table used the records available in 1912 and counted 2,201 people aboard. Modern researchers have corrected names, aliases, cancellations, crew categories, and other details, which is why some databases use a different total population and a different survivor count.
A percentage is only meaningful when its numerator and denominator come from the same list. This page therefore keeps the British inquiry figures together. The separate survivor-count guide explains why modern summaries often use about 705, 706, or 712 survivors.
Sources for the survival-rate figures
The British inquiry report is the main statistical source. The additional links help compare its historical table with modern survivor research.
- British inquiry report: numbers saved The primary 1912 table used for every percentage on this page.
- British inquiry report: lifeboat operations Findings on boat preparation, loading, launch times, and officer duties.
- Encyclopedia Titanica: Titanic survivors A modern specialist database showing how survivor totals can differ from the inquiry count.
- TitanicSurvivors.com sources and research guide How this site handles conflicting totals and uncertain historical details.
Pages that put the percentages into context
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of people survived the Titanic?
The British inquiry recorded 711 survivors among 2,201 people aboard, a survival rate of 32.30 percent. Modern datasets use slightly different totals.
What was the first class survival rate?
The British inquiry recorded 203 first class survivors out of 325 passengers, or 62.46 percent.
What was the third class survival rate?
The inquiry recorded 178 third class survivors out of 706 passengers, or 25.21 percent.
Why did women survive at a higher rate?
Women and children were generally given priority during lifeboat loading, while many adult men and crew members remained behind.
Why do Titanic survival percentages vary?
Researchers use slightly different passenger and crew lists. A valid percentage must use a survivor count and total population drawn from the same dataset.