About Frank Benford
Lived 1883 – 1948 (aged 65). Frank Benford was an American physicist and engineer, known for Benford's Law.
Frank Albert Benford Jr. (July 10, 1883 – December 4, 1948 ) was an American electrical engineer and physicist best known for rediscovering and generalizing Benford's law, an earlier statistical statement by Simon Newcomb, about the occurrence of digits in lists of data.
Benford is also known for having devised, in 1937, an instrument for measuring the refractive index of glass.
Death He died suddenly at his home on December 4, 1948.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Frank Benford's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Frank Benford's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Frank Benford?
American electrical engineer & physicist best known for rediscovering Benford's Law (1883-1948)
When was Frank Benford born?
Frank Benford was born on 29 May 1883 in Johnstown.
When did Frank Benford die?
Frank Benford died on 4 December 1948 in Schenectady.
What was Frank Benford's occupation?
Frank Benford was a physicist and engineer.
What was Frank Benford known for?
Frank Benford was known for Benford's Law.
What nationality was Frank Benford?
Frank Benford was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Frank Benford. https://biography.guide/frank-benford/
MLA: "Frank Benford." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/frank-benford/.
Chicago: "Frank Benford." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/frank-benford/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:10 UTC