How this calculator works
Full-time equivalent counts jobs by the hours worked rather than by the number of people. Add everyone's hours for the week and divide by the hours in a full-time week. Four people working 40, 40, 20 and 30 hours total 130 hours, which is 3.25 FTE at a 40-hour week. The headcount is still four. FTE lets you compare teams, budget staff costs and report headcount consistently when many people work part time. Make sure every employee appears once and that the hours cover the same week.
Formula
FTE = total hours worked by all employees / hours in a full-time week. Headcount is the number of employees listed.
Worked example
Four employees working 40, 40, 20 and 30 hours a week total 130 hours. At a 40-hour full-time week that is 130 / 40 = 3.25 FTE from a headcount of four.
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Frequently asked questions
What counts as a full-time week?
Use your organisation's standard, commonly 35, 37.5 or 40 hours. The figure must be the one used for payroll and benefits comparisons, because changing it changes every FTE result. Part-year staff who work full-time for part of the year can be entered as their average weekly hours over the year.
Is FTE the same as headcount?
No. Headcount counts people, while FTE counts the equivalent full-time jobs. Two half-time employees are one FTE but two people. Report both when they tell different stories, such as a rising headcount with flat FTE.
Can FTE be higher than headcount?
Yes, if people work more than the full-time week, for example during peak season or with regular overtime. If that is not intended, check the full-time hours and the individual entries.