What percentage of Europe’s population died during the Black Death?

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Medieval illustration of Brotherhood of the Cross flagellants in robes and pointed hats walking in procession, some carrying a crucifix and banners, during the Black Death. — Black Death Flagellants in the Netherlands scourging themselves in atonement, believing that the Black Death is a punishment from God for their sins, 1349.

The Black Death, a pandemic that swept through Europe between 1347 and 1351, resulted in a devastating loss of life. While mortality rates varied significantly by region—ranging from one-eighth to two-thirds of the population—it is widely considered accurate that approximately one-third of Europe’s population died during the epidemic.1

This mortality event is estimated to have claimed 25 million lives across the continent. The impact was so profound that the population of western Europe did not return to its pre-1348 levels until the beginning of the 16th century.1