ETC Calculator
Calculate ETC step by step: ETC = EAC − AC; or (BAC − EV) ÷ CPI; or BAC − EV at the budgeted rate.
In short
Formula: ETC = EAC − AC; or (BAC − EV) ÷ CPI; or BAC − EV at the budgeted rate.
What this calculator does
Calculate ETC step by step: ETC = EAC − AC; or (BAC − EV) ÷ CPI; or BAC − EV at the budgeted rate. Worked example, questions and limitations included.
Use it to turn Currency (symbol only, never converted), Method, Estimate at completion (EAC), Budget at completion (BAC), 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.
- Method
- — choice value.
- Estimate at completion (EAC)
- — number value.
- Budget at completion (BAC)
- — number value.
- Earned value (EV)
- — number value.
- Actual cost (AC)
- — number value.
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.
ETC is the expected cost of finishing the remaining work.
The CPI method assumes current efficiency continues; the budget method assumes the remaining work goes exactly to plan.
ETC = EAC − AC; or (BAC − EV) ÷ CPI; or BAC − EV at the budgeted rate.
Inputs used: Currency (symbol only, never converted), Method, Estimate at completion (EAC), Budget at completion (BAC), Earned value (EV), Actual cost (AC).
Worked example
Remaining budget at current CPI
- CPI = 175,000 ÷ 190,000 = 0.921.
- ETC = 325,000 ÷ 0.921 = $352,857.
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-based ETC ignores upcoming risks.
- Single-point estimate; no range.
- Requires consistent EV and AC measurement.
- 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 etc calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Common questions
Is ETC the same as the remaining budget?
Only when you assume the rest of the work goes exactly to budget. Otherwise ETC differs from BAC − EV.
When should I re-estimate bottom-up?
When the scope, team or approach has changed so much that past performance no longer predicts the future. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real earned value decision.
Can ETC be negative?
Only if your EAC is below AC, which means the EAC is wrong; check the inputs. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real earned value decision.
How do I use the ETC Calculator?
Enter the required values for Currency (symbol only, never converted), Method, Estimate at completion (EAC), Budget at completion (BAC), Earned value (EV), 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 ETC Calculator use?
ETC = EAC − AC; or (BAC − EV) ÷ CPI; or BAC − EV at the budgeted rate. 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 ETC 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.