Master every PMP formula with our free, comprehensive formula library. Each formula includes the equation, a worked example, and an explanation of when to use it on the PMP exam. We cover all three formula categories tested: Earned Value Management (EVM), Critical Path Method (CPM), and PERT/estimation formulas.
Expect 5-8 formula-based questions on the real exam. These are high-confidence points โ unlike situational questions, math questions have a single correct answer. If you memorize the formulas and practice with realistic numbers, you can bank these points reliably.
How to use this page: Start with EVM (highest frequency on the exam), then CPM, then PERT. Each formula page includes a downloadable cheat sheet version. Use our printable PMP Formula Cheat Sheet for offline review.
All the formulas you need for the PMP exam โ 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 โ AC | Cost Variance | Positive = under budget |
| SV = EV โ PV | Schedule Variance | Positive = ahead of schedule |
| CPI = EV รท AC | Cost Performance Index | >1.0 = under budget |
| SPI = EV รท PV | Schedule Performance Index | >1.0 = ahead of schedule |
Forecasting (EAC โ Estimate at Completion)
| Formula | Condition |
|---|
| EAC = BAC รท CPI | Current cost performance continues |
| EAC = AC + (BAC โ EV) | Remaining work at planned rate |
| EAC = AC + [(BAC โ EV) รท (CPI ร SPI)] | Both cost and schedule performance continue |
| EAC = AC + Bottom-up ETC | Original estimate is flawed |
Other EVM Formulas
| Formula | Name |
|---|
| ETC = EAC โ AC | Estimate to Complete |
| VAC = BAC โ EAC | Variance at Completion |
| TCPI = (BAC โ EV) รท (BAC โ AC) | To-Complete Performance Index (budget) |
| TCPI = (BAC โ EV) รท (EAC โ AC) | TCPI using revised EAC |
๐ก PMP Exam Tip
You'll typically get 5-8 EVM questions on the PMP exam. You don't get a calculator โ 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 โ ES = LF โ EF | Total Float |
| Free Float = ESnext โ 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) รท 6 | Beta distribution (weighted average) |
| Triangular = (O + M + P) รท 3 | Simple average |
| ฯ = (P โ O) รท 6 | Standard deviation (one activity) |
| ฯยฒ = [(P โ O) รท 6]ยฒ | Variance (one activity) |
Communications & Procurement
| Formula | Name |
|---|
| Comm. Channels = n(n โ 1) รท 2 | Number of communication channels |
| EMV = Probability ร Impact | Expected Monetary Value (risk) |
| PTA = [(Ceiling โ Target) รท Buyer Share] + Target | Point of Total Assumption (FPIF only) |
๐ฅ Free PMP Formula Cheat Sheet
Want this as a downloadable PDF? Get our Free PMP Formula Cheat Sheet โ includes all formulas, EVM diagrams, and example calculations.