How can I use the GDP-by-metropolitan-area estimates?

BEA’s statistics on GDP by metropolitan area can be used to answer a variety of questions, and also to inform business and policy decision makers. These estimates have many potentially important uses, including determining the overall size and growth of metropolitan economies, assessing the impacts of natural or man-made disasters on cities, and analyzing comparative industrial growth across metropolitan America. For other potential uses, see “Potential Uses of BEA’s Prototype Estimates of GDP by Metropolitan Area.”