All the formulas you need for the PMP exam — Earned Value Management, critical path, PERT, communication channels, and procurement math. Free, no sign-up. Bookmark this page.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
EV = Earned Value | PV = Planned Value | AC = Actual Cost | BAC = Budget at Completion
| Formula | Name | Interpretation |
|---|
| CV = EV − AC | Cost Variance | Positive = under budget |
| SV = EV − PV | Schedule Variance | Positive = ahead of schedule |
| CPI = EV ÷ AC | Cost Performance Index | >1.0 = under budget |
| SPI = EV ÷ PV | Schedule Performance Index | >1.0 = ahead of schedule |
Forecasting (EAC — Estimate at Completion)
| Formula | Condition |
|---|
| EAC = BAC ÷ CPI | Current cost performance continues |
| EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) | Remaining work at planned rate |
| EAC = AC + [(BAC − EV) ÷ (CPI × SPI)] | Both cost and schedule performance continue |
| EAC = AC + Bottom-up ETC | Original estimate is flawed |
Other EVM Formulas
| Formula | Name |
|---|
| ETC = EAC − AC | Estimate to Complete |
| VAC = BAC − EAC | Variance at Completion |
| TCPI = (BAC − EV) ÷ (BAC − AC) | To-Complete Performance Index (budget) |
| TCPI = (BAC − EV) ÷ (EAC − AC) | TCPI using revised EAC |
💡 PMP Exam Tip
You'll typically get 5-8 EVM questions on the PMP exam. You don't get a calculator — all math is designed to be straightforward. Remember: CPI > 1.0 is good, SPI > 1.0 is good. TCPI tells you the efficiency needed on remaining work.
Critical Path & Float
| Formula | Name |
|---|
| Float (Slack) = LS − ES = LF − EF | Total Float |
| Free Float = ESnext − EFcurrent | Free Float (no impact on successor) |
| Critical Path = Longest path through network | Determines minimum project duration |
Estimating (PERT & Triangular)
| Formula | Name |
|---|
| PERT = (O + 4M + P) ÷ 6 | Beta distribution (weighted average) |
| Triangular = (O + M + P) ÷ 3 | Simple average |
| σ = (P − O) ÷ 6 | Standard deviation (one activity) |
| σ² = [(P − O) ÷ 6]² | Variance (one activity) |
Communications & Procurement
| Formula | Name |
|---|
| Comm. Channels = n(n − 1) ÷ 2 | Number of communication channels |
| EMV = Probability × Impact | Expected Monetary Value (risk) |
| PTA = [(Ceiling − Target) ÷ Buyer Share] + Target | Point of Total Assumption (FPIF only) |
📥 Free PMP Formula Cheat Sheet
Want this as a downloadable PDF? Get our Free PMP Formula Cheat Sheet — includes all formulas, EVM diagrams, and example calculations.