by Edward Chung, PMP (http://edward-designer.

com/web/pmp/)

PMP Formulas mentioned in the

PMBOK Guide 6th Edition
Name (Abbreviation) Formula Interpretation

n should include the project

manager
No. of
n (n-1)/2 e.g. if the no. of team members
Communication
increase from 4 to 5, the increase
n = number of members in the team
Channels in communication channels:
5(5-1)/2 – 4(4-1)/2 = 4

Schedule SPI = EV/PV <1 behind schedule

=1 on schedule
Performance Index EV = Earned Value >1 ahead of schedule
(SPI) PV = Planned Value
<1 Over budget
=1 On budget
CPI = EV/AC >1 Under budget
Cost Performance
EV = Earned Value sometimes the term ‘cumulative
Index (CPI) CPI’ would be shown, which
AC = Actual Cost actually is the CPI up to that
moment

SV = EV – PV <0 Behind schedule

Schedule Variance
=0 On schedule
EV = Earned Value >0 Ahead of schedule
(SV)
PV = Planned Value

CV = EV – AC <0 Over budget

=0 On budget
Cost Variance (CV) EV = Earned Value >0 Within budget
AC = Actual Cost

Estimate at
EAC = AC + New ETC
if the original estimate is based
AC = Actual Cost on wrong data/assumptions or
Completion (EAC) if
circumstances have changed
original is flawed New ETC = New Estimate to Completion

Estimate at EAC = AC + BAC – EV

the variance is caused by a one-
Completion (EAC) if AC = Actual Cost time event and is not likely to
BAC remains the happen again
BAC = Budget at completion
same EV = Earned Value
 by Edward Chung, PMP (http://edward-designer.com/web/pmp/)

Name (Abbreviation) Formula Interpretation

Estimate at
EAC = BAC/CPI if the CPI would remain the same
Completion (EAC) if
till end of project, i.e. the original
BAC = Budget at completion estimation is not accurate
CPI remains the
CPI = Cost performance index
same

EAC = AC + (BAC -
Estimate at
EV)/(CPI*SPI)
Completion (EAC) if AC = Actual Cost use when the question gives all
the values (AC, BAC, EV, CPI
substandard BAC = Budget at completion and SPI), otherwise, this formula
is not likely to be used
performance EV = Earned Value

continues CPI = Cost Performance Index

SPI = Schedule Performance Index

TCPI = (BAC – EV) /

(BAC – AC)
BAC = Budget at completion

EV = Earned value

AC = Actual Cost
To-Complete <1 Under budget
=1 On budget
Performance Index
>1 Over budget
(TCPI) TCPI = Remaining Work
/Remaining Funds
BAC = Budget at completion

EV = Earned value

CPI = Cost performance index

ETC = EAC -AC

Estimate to
EAC = Estimate at Completion
Completion
AC = Actual Cost
 by Edward Chung, PMP (http://edward-designer.com/web/pmp/)

Name (Abbreviation) Formula Interpretation

VAC = BAC – EAC <0 Over budget

Variance at
=0 On budget
BAC = Budget at completion >0 Under budget
Completion
EAC = Estimate at Completion

(O + 4M + P)/6
O= Optimistic estimate
PERT Estimation
M= Most Likely estimate

P= Pessimistic estimate

(P – O)/6
this is a rough estimate for the
Standard Deviation O= Optimistic estimate standard deviation

P= Pessimistic estimate

LS – ES
LS = Late start

ES = Early start
=0 On critical path
Float/Slack <0 Behind schedule
LF – EF
LF = Late finish

EF = Early finish

The above 17 PMP formulas are all that you’ll need for the PMP Exam. Learn them and
understand their application. You will be able to solve the calculation questions in the
certification exam.

However, if you are still struggling with PMP® formulas or you want some more guided
descriptions on how to apply them with PMP® practice questions, you are advised to
explore the PM Exam Formulas Study Guide authored by Cornelius Fitchner (the same
author of the acclaimed online PMP® Exam Prep course which I used to clear my PMP®
exam – the PM PrepCast™).