In science, the correspondence principle is the idea that a new theory should reproduce the results of older well-established theories in those domains where the old theories work.

Correspondence principle in quantum theory, which states that the predictions of quantum mechanics must pass smoothly into those of classical mechanics for large macroscopic systems.

In Public Finance, the correspondence principle identifies the places where it is beneficial to provide public goods and services, which is determined using the geographic range of the positive and negative externalities that these goods and services cause. It is used along with the principle of subsidiarity, which states that it is best to delegate responsibility for providing public goods and services to the lowest level of government that can efficiently and equitably provide them.

In Paul Samuelson's economics text, Foundations of Economic Analysis, the correspondence principle refers to the fact that determining the stability of an economic equilibrium corresponds to deriving results in comparative statics.