Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Calculator

The FTE calculation standardizes working hours to reflect your total workforce as a unified metric of full-time positions. A full-time employee typically works a standard baseline schedule, such as 40 hours per week. The mathematical equation adds the total number of full-time employees to the proportional contribution of all part-time workers. The formula is expressed as:

FTE = E_f + (E_p × H_p) / H_f

Where E_f is the number of full-time employees, E_p is the number of part-time employees, H_p is the average weekly hours worked by a part-time employee, and H_f is the standard full-time working hours per week.

Imagine a growing digital marketing agency that employs a core team alongside several contractors and part-time specialists. The standard full-time workweek is set at 40 hours. The company has 10 full-time employees. Additionally, they employ 6 part-time staff members who each work 20 hours per week.

Step 1: Identify your variables. Full-time employees (E_f) = 10; Part-time employees (E_p) = 6; Part-time hours (H_p) = 20; Full-time hours (H_f) = 40.

Step 2: Multiply the number of part-time employees by their weekly hours: 6 × 20 = 120 total part-time hours.

Step 3: Divide those total hours by the standard full-time hours: 120 / 40 = 3.

Step 4: Add the result to your full-time employee count: 10 + 3 = 13. The total Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) for this business is 13.

To ensure maximum accuracy when determining your FTE metrics, maintain consistent definitions for a standard workweek across all departments. When dealing with seasonal fluctuations, consider calculating a rolling average over several quarters rather than relying on a single snapshot in time. Always double-check local labor regulations and tax guidelines, as specific government programs may enforce unique criteria regarding what constitutes full-time hours.