EAC Calculator
Calculate EAC with four documented models: BAC ÷ CPI, AC + (BAC − EV), AC + (BAC − EV) ÷ (CPI × SPI), and AC + bottom-up ETC.
In short
Formula: Model 1: EAC = BAC ÷ CPI. Model 2: EAC = AC + (BAC − EV). Model 3: EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) ÷ (CPI × SPI). Model 4: EAC = AC + bottom-up ETC.
What this calculator does
Calculate EAC with four documented models: BAC ÷ CPI, AC + (BAC − EV), AC + (BAC − EV) ÷ (CPI × SPI), and AC + bottom-up ETC. Worked example, questions and limitations included.
Use it to turn Currency (symbol only, never converted), Budget at completion (BAC), Earned value (EV), Actual cost (AC), and the other shown inputs into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.
The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this earned value calculation.
Inputs and what they mean
- Currency (symbol only, never converted)
- — choice value.
- Budget at completion (BAC)
- — number value.
- Earned value (EV)
- — number value.
- Actual cost (AC)
- — number value.
- Planned value (PV)
- — number value.
- Bottom-up estimate to complete (optional)
- — A fresh estimate of the remaining cost. Leave blank to skip model 4..
How to use it
- Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
- Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
- Read the limitations before relying on the result.
Formula
Definitions follow the PMI PMBOK Guide and the ANSI/EIA-748 earned value management standard. All four models are listed in the PMBOK Guide.
Model 1 suits stable, repetitive work where efficiency to date is the best predictor. Model 2 suits a one-off cause that has been fixed. Model 3 suits a firm finish date where schedule pressure will raise cost.
Model 4 replaces the formula with a fresh estimate of the remaining work and is required when the original plan is no longer valid.
Model 1: EAC = BAC ÷ CPI. Model 2: EAC = AC + (BAC − EV). Model 3: EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) ÷ (CPI × SPI). Model 4: EAC = AC + bottom-up ETC.
Inputs used: Currency (symbol only, never converted), Budget at completion (BAC), Earned value (EV), Actual cost (AC), Planned value (PV), Bottom-up estimate to complete (optional).
Worked example
BAC 500,000, EV 175,000, AC 190,000, PV 200,000
- CPI = 0.921, SPI = 0.875.
- Model 1: 500,000 ÷ 0.921 = $542,857.
- Model 2: 190,000 + 325,000 = $515,000.
- Model 3: 190,000 + 325,000 ÷ (0.921 × 0.875) = $593,061.
Reading the result
The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.
Limitations and assumptions
- Formula models assume past indices predict the future.
- Does not include risks not yet seen in the data.
- Model 4 is only as good as the bottom-up estimate you enter.
- Results are planning estimates built only from the figures you enter. They are not a guarantee of cost, schedule or delivery, and they do not replace your organisation's own project controls.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this eac calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Common questions
Which EAC model is correct?
None is universally correct. Each assumes something different about the future; pick the one your evidence supports and record why.
Why is model 3 usually the highest?
It penalises both cost and schedule under-performance, so when both indices are below 1 it gives the most pessimistic forecast. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real earned value decision.
Should I average the models?
PMBOK does not recommend averaging. Report the chosen model and, if helpful, show the range between them.
How do I use the EAC Calculator?
Enter the required values for Currency (symbol only, never converted), Budget at completion (BAC), Earned value (EV), Actual cost (AC), Planned value (PV), and the other fields shown. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.
What formula does the EAC Calculator use?
Model 1: EAC = BAC ÷ CPI. Model 2: EAC = AC + (BAC − EV). Model 3: EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) ÷ (CPI × SPI). Model 4: EAC = AC + bottom-up ETC. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.
Can the EAC Calculator be used for exact decisions?
Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.
Related tools
Calculate Planned Value step by step: PV = BAC × planned % complete at the status date.
Calculate Earned Value step by step: EV = BAC × actual % complete.
Calculate Actual Cost (Earned Value) step by step: AC = sum of all costs actually incurred for the work performed to the status date.
Calculate Budget At Completion step by step: BAC = sum of the budgets of all work packages in the performance measurement baseline.