PMP · formula and decision index
PMP formulas and decisions: find EVM, float, Agile flow and benefits practice
Find CPI, SPI, EAC and TCPI with their assumptions, then open complete worked examples for schedule, Agile roles, flow metrics and benefits.
Reviewed for the current ReasonSpan™ exam profile · Updated October 11, 2026By the ReasonSpan™ editorial team · Our content standards
Start with the decision, then choose the relationship
A correct formula needs the right status date, quantities and forecasting assumption. This index links to worked teaching, not protected mock answers. Currency-valued schedule variance is not a duration, and an observed metric is not approval to change a baseline.
| Question to answer | Relationship or decision | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| How efficient is actual spending? | CPI = EV / AC; CV = EV − AC | Use comparable EV and AC at one status date. |
| How much budgeted work is complete versus planned? | SPI = EV / PV; SV = EV − PV | SPI does not alone establish critical-path delay; SV is in budget units. |
| What if current cost efficiency persists? | EAC = BAC / CPI | This assumes the current efficiency represents remaining work. |
| What if remaining work occurs at the original budget rate? | EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) | This assumes prior variance is atypical and does not recur. |
| What if a new bottom-up remaining estimate is available? | EAC = AC + bottom-up ETC | Use the authorized, supportable remaining estimate. |
| What efficiency would meet the original budget? | TCPI(BAC) = (BAC − EV) / (BAC − AC) | A zero or negative remaining-budget denominator needs explicit interpretation. |
| What efficiency would meet an authorized revised estimate? | TCPI(EAC) = (BAC − EV) / (EAC − AC) | Use an authorized target, not whichever denominator makes the number favorable. |
| What is forecast budget variance? | VAC = BAC − EAC; ETC = EAC − AC | Validate the EAC assumption first. |
| Can an activity move without moving the finish? | Total float = LS − ES = LF − EF | Recalculate after logic, constraints or durations change. |
Open the complete worked explanations
Connect calculations to a responsible action
Investigate the cause, confirm the data and remaining-work assumptions, compare authorized options and involve the appropriate owner. A CPI below one does not tell you to hide costs or automatically cancel a project. A flow forecast is not a promise that every item finishes by the same date.
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Sources and further reading
Exam requirements can change. Confirm current details with the organization that administers your exam and use the cited sources for the preparation principles summarized here.