What is the most common EAC formula?

EAC = BAC / CPI. This assumes the current cost performance index will hold for the remaining work.

When should I use EAC = AC + (BAC − EV)?

Use the atypical formula when the current cost variance is a one-off and remaining work is expected to follow the original plan.

Variance at Completion equals BAC minus EAC. A positive VAC is a forecast surplus; a negative VAC is a forecast deficit.

How is EAC different from ETC?

EAC is the total project cost. ETC (Estimate to Complete) is the cost expected from now until the end of the project: ETC = EAC − AC.

Estimate at Completion (EAC) Calculator

Forecast the total cost of your project given current performance. The most common formula assumes today's cost efficiency continues: EAC = BAC / CPI. The calculator also reports projected variance at completion (VAC).

Last reviewed: 3 May 2026 · Source: Project Management Institute, The Standard for Earned Value Management

BAC Budget at Completion

EV Earned Value

AC Actual Cost

EAC = BAC / CPI

N/A

Enter values

VAC = BAC − EAC

N/A

Enter values

The three EAC formulas

Formula	When to use
EAC = BAC / CPI	Default. Current cost performance is expected to continue for remaining work.
EAC = AC + (BAC − EV)	Atypical. Current variance is a one-off; remaining work follows the original plan.
EAC = AC + ((BAC − EV) / (CPI × SPI))	Pessimistic. Both cost and schedule performance are expected to continue.

Worked example

A software project has BAC = $100,000. After 3 months it has earned EV = $35,000 against AC = $38,000.

CPI = 35,000 / 38,000 = 0.921
EAC = 100,000 / 0.921 = $108,571
VAC = 100,000 − 108,571 = −$8,571 (forecast deficit)
ETC = 108,571 − 38,000 = $70,571 remaining

The project is forecast to overrun the original budget by about 8.6 percent if current efficiency continues. Use the CPI Calculator to drill into cost efficiency, or the full EVM Calculator for all 8 metrics together.

Common mistakes when computing EAC

Picking the wrong formula. Default to BAC / CPI unless you can defend why current variance is a one-off.
Forgetting BAC re-baselines. If BAC has been formally changed, EAC must be recomputed against the new BAC.
Using monthly EV with cumulative AC. Both must be cumulative-to-date for the standard formulas.
Treating EAC as fixed. EAC is a forecast that should be updated every reporting period.

Frequently asked questions

What is Estimate at Completion?

EAC is the forecasted total cost of a project given its current performance. It replaces the original BAC as the working forecast once the project is underway and actual data is available.

What does a negative VAC mean?

VAC = BAC − EAC. A negative VAC means EAC exceeds BAC — the project is forecast to overrun its original budget. Positive VAC is a forecast surplus.

Is EAC the same as ETC?

No. EAC is the forecast total project cost (past + future). ETC is only the cost remaining from now to completion: ETC = EAC − AC.

Can EAC be lower than BAC?

Yes. If CPI is greater than 1.0, the project is delivering more value than its cost, and EAC = BAC / CPI is below the original budget — a forecast surplus.

How does EAC tie to TCPI?

TCPI tells you the cost efficiency required on remaining work to finish at the original BAC (or at the EAC). If TCPI is above 1.0, it is a warning that the team must outperform the original plan to avoid overrun.

Related references

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided as an educational reference. It is not professional project management or financial advice. Always verify results against your organization's project controls policies and the latest PMI / PMBOK guidance.