This free PMP Formula Cheat Sheet covers every formula tested on the PMP exam. We designed it to be print-friendly (2 pages) so you can review it in the days leading up to your exam and during the parking-lot cram session before you walk into Pearson VUE.
Why Formulas Matter on the PMP
The PMP exam includes at least 5-8 formula-based questions, primarily from Earned Value Management and Critical Path Method. These are "free points" if you memorize the formulas β you either know the calculation or you do not. There is no situational judgment involved.
What Is Covered
- EVM: PV, EV, AC, BAC, SV, CV, SPI, CPI, EAC (3 variants), ETC, TCPI, VAC
- Critical Path: Forward pass, backward pass, float/slack, near-critical path
- PERT & Estimates: Three-point (beta), standard deviation, variance
- Financial: NPV, ROI, IRR, BCR, payback period, sunk cost
- Communication Channels: n(n-1)/2
- Procurement: PTA (Point of Total Assumption), target price, ceiling price
PMP Formula Cheat Sheet
All the formulas you need for the PMP exam β Earned Value Management, Critical Path, PERT, communication channels, and procurement math. Print this page or bookmark it for exam day.
π Earned Value Management (EVM)
| Formula | What It Means |
|---|---|
| CV = EV β AC | Cost Variance β positive = under budget |
| SV = EV β PV | Schedule Variance β positive = ahead of schedule |
| CPI = EV / AC | Cost Performance Index β >1 = under budget |
| SPI = EV / PV | Schedule Performance Index β >1 = ahead of schedule |
| EAC = BAC / CPI | Estimate at Completion (current efficiency continues) |
| EAC = AC + (BAC β EV) | EAC β future work at planned rate |
| EAC = AC + [(BACβEV)/(CPIΓSPI)] | EAC β both cost and schedule considered |
| ETC = EAC β AC | Estimate to Complete |
| VAC = BAC β EAC | Variance at Completion |
| TCPI = (BACβEV) / (BACβAC) | To-Complete Performance Index (original budget) |
| TCPI = (BACβEV) / (EACβAC) | TCPI (revised budget) |
πΊοΈ Critical Path
| Formula | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Float = LS β ES | Total Float (Slack) = Late Start β Early Start |
| Float = LF β EF | Also: Late Finish β Early Finish |
| Free Float = ES(next) β EF | Free Float β delay without impacting successor |
| Critical Path | Longest path through the network. Zero float. |
π² PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)
| Formula | What It Means |
|---|---|
| tE = (O + 4M + P) / 6 | Expected Duration β Optimistic, Most Likely, Pessimistic |
| Ο = (P β O) / 6 | Standard Deviation of an activity |
| Ο(path) = β(ΟβΒ² + ΟβΒ² + ...) | Standard deviation of a path = sqrt of sum of variances |
π¬ Communication Channels
| Formula | What It Means |
|---|---|
| n Γ (nβ1) / 2 | Communication channels for n stakeholders. 5 people = 10 channels. |
π Procurement & Contracts
| Formula | What It Means |
|---|---|
| FPIF: Final Price = Target Cost + Target Fee + (Actual Cost β Target Cost) Γ Buyer Share | Fixed Price Incentive Fee |
| CPIF: Fee = Target Fee + (Target Cost β Actual Cost) Γ Seller Share | Cost Plus Incentive Fee |
| PTA = [(Ceiling Price β Target Price) / Buyer Share] + Target Cost | Point of Total Assumption (FPIF) |
| Make-or-Buy: Buy if Cost(buy) < Cost(make) | Simple cost comparison |
π‘ Exam Tips
- CPI < 1 and SPI < 1: Project is over budget AND behind schedule β most common crisis scenario on the exam.
- Remember: CPI and SPI are RATIOS β no units. CV and SV are in dollars (or currency).
- TCPI trick: If CPI < 1, TCPI will be > 1 β you need to perform better than planned.
- Critical path: If you see "what is the impact on the project?" β check if the delay is on the critical path.
- PERT: Use when the question says "optimistic, most likely, pessimistic" β that's your trigger.
- Communication channels: Don't forget to count the PM as a stakeholder.
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