Earned Value Management · Free project controls tool
Earned Value Calculator
Measure cost and schedule performance, compare forecast-at-completion scenarios, and see the efficiency required to recover your project budget.
Project performance inputs
Enter the four core EVM values. Add a bottom-up ETC only if you have one.
Forecast scenarios
| Assumption | VAC | EAC |
|---|
One calculation, several decisions
See performance, forecast the finish, test recovery
EVM combines budget, progress and actual cost. The calculator turns those inputs into performance indices, variances and completion forecasts.
1. Measure performance
CPI shows cost efficiency and SPI shows schedule efficiency relative to the plan.
CPI = EV ÷ AC2. Forecast total cost
Compare EAC scenarios instead of relying on one formula without understanding its assumption.
EAC depends on assumption3. Test recoverability
TCPI estimates the efficiency required on the remaining work to hit BAC or a revised target.
TCPI = work left ÷ money leftProject controls calculators
Use the full EVM calculator above or open a focused tool for the metric you need.
BACCost Performance IndexMeasure cost efficiencyCPI = EV / ACSchedule Performance IndexMeasure schedule efficiencySPI = EV / PVEstimate at CompletionCompare forecast scenariosEACEstimate to CompleteForecast remaining costETC = EAC − ACVariance at CompletionForecast under/overrunVAC = BAC − EACTCPIRequired future efficiencyTCPIPlanned ValueConvert plan % into PVPVWhat the four core inputs mean
The quality of the result depends on using values from the same status date and baseline.
- BAC
- The authorized performance budget for the work in scope at project completion. Management reserve is tracked separately from the performance measurement baseline.
- PV
- The budgeted value of work planned to be completed by the status date.
- EV
- The budgeted value of work actually accomplished by the status date.
- AC
- The actual cost incurred for the work performed by the status date.
Worked example
Suppose BAC is $1.25M, planned value is $525k, earned value is $475k and actual cost is $520k.
Performance
CPI = 0.91. The project is earning about $0.91 of budgeted value for each $1.00 spent.
SPI = 0.90. Earned progress is behind planned progress at the status date.
Forecast
If current cost efficiency continues, EAC is approximately BAC ÷ CPI. The result is higher than BAC, producing a negative VAC.
The recovery panel then compares current CPI with the TCPI required to protect the original BAC.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CPI below 1.0 mean?
It indicates unfavorable cost efficiency: the earned value of completed work is lower than the actual cost incurred.
What does an SPI below 1.0 mean?
It indicates earned progress is behind planned progress at the status date. Traditional SPI should not be interpreted as a direct time-duration forecast.
Why does the calculator show several EAC values?
Because each EAC formula embeds a different assumption about future performance. Comparing scenarios is more informative than treating one equation as universally correct.
Does BAC include management reserve?
In standard EVMS usage, management reserve is outside the performance measurement baseline and is not included in BAC. It can be part of a broader contract budget base.
Is EarnedValueCalc affiliated with PMI?
No. EarnedValueCalc is an independent educational tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Project Management Institute.