Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

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What Is Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)? (+ FTE Calculator)

What Is Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)? (+ FTE Calculator)

What Is Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is a measure of the number of actual hours worked by an employee or group of employees on a full-time basis. It is expressed as the ratio of the actual hours worked divided by the number of scheduled hours for a full-time position. FTE can be used to compare two different groups of employees, or to compare one employee’s workload over time.

How to Calculate FTE and Examples

Calculating Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is an essential task for HR professionals, as it provides a standardized unit of measurement to determine the number of full-time and part-time employees within an organization. This calculation is crucial for managing labor costs, projecting staffing needs, and ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Calculating FTE involves determining the number of employees based on their working hours and comparing it to a standard full-time workweek or monthly schedule. To calculate FTE, divide the total hours worked by an employee by the standard hours per week or month. For example, if the standard workweek is 40 hours and an employee works 20 hours, the FTE would be 0.5 (20 divided by 40).

To illustrate the FTE calculation, let's consider a scenario where a company has 50 full-time employees working 40 hours per week and 2 part-time employees working 20 hours per week. The FTE calculation for the full-time employees would be 50 (as they work the standard full-time hours), while the part-time employees would contribute an FTE of 0.1 (2 employees multiplied by 20 hours divided by 40).

Part-time employees

Part-time employees play a significant role in many organizations, and calculating their Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is crucial for effective resource planning and labor cost management. The Part-Time FTE calculation for part-time employees involves determining their FTE value based on their weekly part time hours in comparison to the company's official full-time schedule.

To calculate The Part-Time FTE, divide their weekly hours by the standard hours of a full-time employee's workweek. For example, if the company's full-time employment schedule is 40 hours per week and a part-time employee works 20 hours, their FTE would be 0.5 (20 divided by 40).

Understanding the FTE for part-time employees is essential for resource planning. HR professionals can accurately assess the total capacity of their workforce by accounting for both full-time and part-time employees. This information helps in determining hiring needs, assigning workloads, and ensuring that the organization has sufficient coverage during peak periods.

Moreover, knowing the FTE for part-time employees is crucial for managing labor costs. By accurately calculating FTE, HR departments can determine the cost implications of part-time employees and make informed decisions about staffing levels and budget allocation.

Seasonal or temporary employees

Calculating the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) for seasonal or temporary employees is crucial for businesses, especially when it comes to forecasting, budgeting and project management. While reporting agencies may only require counting these employees if they work more than 120 days per year for ACA compliance purposes, it is highly recommended to track their FTE for internal use.

To calculate FTE for seasonal or temporary employees, divide their weekly hours by the company's standard full-time hours. For example, if your company's standard full-time hours are 40 hours per week, and a seasonal employee works 20 hours per week, their FTE would be 0.5 (20/40 = 0.5). This means that they contribute half of the capacity of a full-time employee.

Tracking the FTE for seasonal or temporary employees allows businesses to accurately forecast and budget for their workforce needs. It helps in planning for additional resources during peak seasons or temporary demands. It also helps in identifying if there is a need for hiring more full-time employees or utilizing additional temporary workers.

While reporting agencies may have specific guidelines on counting seasonal or temporary employees, it is always beneficial for businesses to track their FTE internally. This ensures that organizations have a comprehensive understanding of their workforce capacity and can make informed decisions regarding staffing levels and resource allocation.

Calculating Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is an essential task for HR professionals, as it provides a standardized unit of measurement to determine the number of full-time and part-time employees within an organization. This calculation is crucial for managing labor costs, projecting staffing needs, and ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Calculating FTE involves determining the number of employees based on their working hours and comparing it to a standard full-time workweek or monthly schedule. To calculate FTE, divide the total hours worked by an employee by the standard hours per week or month. For example, if the standard workweek is 40 hours and an employee works 20 hours, the FTE would be 0.5 (20 divided by 40).

To illustrate the FTE calculation, let's consider a scenario where a company has 50 full-time employees working 40 hours per week and 2 part-time employees working 20 hours per week. The FTE calculation for the full-time employees would be 50 (as they work the standard full-time hours), while the part-time employees would contribute an FTE of 0.1 (2 employees multiplied by 20 hours divided by 40).

Part-time employees

Part-time employees play a significant role in many organizations, and calculating their Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is crucial for effective resource planning and labor cost management. The Part-Time FTE calculation for part-time employees involves determining their FTE value based on their weekly part time hours in comparison to the company's official full-time schedule.

To calculate The Part-Time FTE, divide their weekly hours by the standard hours of a full-time employee's workweek. For example, if the company's full-time employment schedule is 40 hours per week and a part-time employee works 20 hours, their FTE would be 0.5 (20 divided by 40).

Understanding the FTE for part-time employees is essential for resource planning. HR professionals can accurately assess the total capacity of their workforce by accounting for both full-time and part-time employees. This information helps in determining hiring needs, assigning workloads, and ensuring that the organization has sufficient coverage during peak periods.

Moreover, knowing the FTE for part-time employees is crucial for managing labor costs. By accurately calculating FTE, HR departments can determine the cost implications of part-time employees and make informed decisions about staffing levels and budget allocation.

Seasonal or temporary employees

Calculating the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) for seasonal or temporary employees is crucial for businesses, especially when it comes to forecasting, budgeting and project management. While reporting agencies may only require counting these employees if they work more than 120 days per year for ACA compliance purposes, it is highly recommended to track their FTE for internal use.

To calculate FTE for seasonal or temporary employees, divide their weekly hours by the company's standard full-time hours. For example, if your company's standard full-time hours are 40 hours per week, and a seasonal employee works 20 hours per week, their FTE would be 0.5 (20/40 = 0.5). This means that they contribute half of the capacity of a full-time employee.

Tracking the FTE for seasonal or temporary employees allows businesses to accurately forecast and budget for their workforce needs. It helps in planning for additional resources during peak seasons or temporary demands. It also helps in identifying if there is a need for hiring more full-time employees or utilizing additional temporary workers.

While reporting agencies may have specific guidelines on counting seasonal or temporary employees, it is always beneficial for businesses to track their FTE internally. This ensures that organizations have a comprehensive understanding of their workforce capacity and can make informed decisions regarding staffing levels and resource allocation.

FTE for HR

Knowing the FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) for HR is crucial for effectively managing part-time workers, controlling labor costs, and making informed decisions on benefits and PTO (Paid Time Off) accrual. The FTE calculation helps HR professionals assess the productivity and effectiveness of part-time employees, improving overall workforce planning and management.

Understanding the FTE allows HR to accurately determine the capacity and contribution of part-time workers compared to full-time employees. This information helps evaluate the resources required to meet business goals and effectively distribute workload. By tracking FTE, HR can identify when additional part-time or full-time employees are needed, ensuring optimal staffing levels during peak seasons or temporary demands.

Moreover, calculating FTE assists in managing labor costs. HR can analyze the FTE ratio of part-time to full-time workers, enabling them to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of utilizing part-time employees versus hiring additional full-time employees. This information helps determine whether it is more economical to maintain a higher number of part-time workers or shift towards a larger full-time workforce.

Knowing the FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) for HR is crucial for effectively managing part-time workers, controlling labor costs, and making informed decisions on benefits and PTO (Paid Time Off) accrual. The FTE calculation helps HR professionals assess the productivity and effectiveness of part-time employees, improving overall workforce planning and management.

Understanding the FTE allows HR to accurately determine the capacity and contribution of part-time workers compared to full-time employees. This information helps evaluate the resources required to meet business goals and effectively distribute workload. By tracking FTE, HR can identify when additional part-time or full-time employees are needed, ensuring optimal staffing levels during peak seasons or temporary demands.

Moreover, calculating FTE assists in managing labor costs. HR can analyze the FTE ratio of part-time to full-time workers, enabling them to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of utilizing part-time employees versus hiring additional full-time employees. This information helps determine whether it is more economical to maintain a higher number of part-time workers or shift towards a larger full-time workforce.

FTE Calculator

The FTE Calculator is a simple tool for HR professionals to accurately assess their workforce capacity and optimize staffing levels. This simple calculator allows you to easily determine the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE), helping you understand the contribution of part-time employees compared to full-time staff.

While this calculator provides a basic understanding, for more comprehensive insights into your workforce, consider utilizing our Insights Feature. With this feature, you can delve deeper into FTE ratios, analyze labor costs, and make informed decisions about benefits and PTO accrual policies.

The FTE Calculator is a simple tool for HR professionals to accurately assess their workforce capacity and optimize staffing levels. This simple calculator allows you to easily determine the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE), helping you understand the contribution of part-time employees compared to full-time staff.

While this calculator provides a basic understanding, for more comprehensive insights into your workforce, consider utilizing our Insights Feature. With this feature, you can delve deeper into FTE ratios, analyze labor costs, and make informed decisions about benefits and PTO accrual policies.

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Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) 

As an HR professional, understanding the concept of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is essential for effective workforce management and resource allocation. In this section, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about FTE and delve into how it is calculated, its significance in labor costs, and its implications for businesses and employees.

What Does FTE Stand for?

FTE stands for Full-Time Equivalent. It is a unit of measurement used in human resources to calculate the total number of hours worked by employees, both in a full-time position and part-time, in relation to a full-time employee working standard hours.

What is the FTE Formula?

The FTE formula is a tool used by HR professionals and business owners to calculate the full-time equivalent of part-time and full-time employees on an annual basis. This formula is especially useful when it comes to workforce planning, budgeting, and understanding the overall efficiency of a company's workforce.

The formula itself involves dividing the total hours worked by part-time and full-time employees by the number of available full-time hours in a year, which is typically considered to be 2,080. This standard figure represents the total number of hours that a full-time employee would work in a year based on a traditional 40-hour workweek.

By using this formula, HR teams can determine the number of full-time positions that could be filled by the combined hours worked by part-time employees. For example, if one part-time employee works 20 hours per week and another works 30 hours per week, their combined hours would equal 50. Dividing this by 2,080 would result in a full-time equivalent of 0.024, indicating that their combined hours are equivalent to approximately 2.4% of a full-time employee.

Why Is FTE Important?

FTE holds significant importance for HR professionals as it provides a standardized metric for assessing employee workload and tracking cost savings. By utilizing FTE calculations, HR departments are able to effectively allocate resources, manage staffing levels, and optimize workforce productivity.

One key aspect where FTE is particularly valuable is in determining Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual rates. By understanding the FTE of each employee, HR teams can accurately calculate and administer PTO benefits, ensuring employees receive the appropriate amount of time off based on their work schedule and employment status.

Furthermore, FTE plays a crucial role in accounting for employee compensation costs. By aggregating the FTE of all employees, HR professionals can calculate the total FTE count, which directly impacts the budgeting and forecasting process. This allows organizations to estimate labor costs accurately, assess the financial impact of hiring decisions, and strategically plan for future hiring needs.

Additionally, FTE serves as a valuable tool for conducting benchmarking and analysis within an organization. By comparing FTE ratios across different departments or time periods, HR professionals can identify trends, evaluate workforce efficiency, and make informed decisions regarding staffing levels or organizational structure adjustments.

What does FTE 100% mean?

FTE 100% refers to a measure of employment that represents a full-time equivalent. When an employee is considered 100% FTE, it means that they are working full-time hours, typically based on a standard 40-hour workweek. This measurement is often used in human resources to calculate various aspects of workforce planning, budgeting, and analysis.

How Do You Convert FTE to Hours?

To convert an employee's FTE into standard hours, you multiply their FTE rate by 40, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek.

For instance, if an employee has an FTE rate of 0.75, you can calculate their hours as follows:

0.75 FTE * 40 hours/week = 30 hours/week

The employee's FTE rate suggests that they work 0.75 of a full-time employee's hours per week, which translates to 30 hours weekly.

Similarly, let's consider another example where an employee has an FTE rate of 1.2:

1.2 FTE * 40 hours/week = 48 hours/week

In this scenario, the employee's FTE rate indicates that they work 1.2 times the hours of a full-time employee, resulting in 48 hours per week.

Do interns count toward FTE?

When it comes to calculating Full-Time Equivalents (FTE), the question often arises as to whether interns should be included. The answer to this question depends on whether the internship is paid or unpaid.

Paid interns should be included in FTE calculations. Since they are receiving compensation for their work, they contribute to the organization's overall workforce capacity. Including paid interns in FTE calculations provides a more accurate representation of the organization's labor resources.

On the other hand, unpaid interns should not be counted toward FTE. Unpaid interns typically do not receive compensation for their work and are not considered employees in the same way as paid staff members.

However, it's important to note that there may be exceptions or variations in FTE calculations based on specific regulations or guidelines. It's always advisable to consult with legal or HR experts to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and to determine the specific rules regarding internship FTE calculations in your jurisdiction.

What's the difference between full-time equivalent and headcount?

Headcount refers to the total number of employees in an organization, regardless of the number of hours worked. It includes both full-time and part-time employees, as well as any temporary or seasonal workers. Headcount gives a comprehensive view of the size of the workforce but does not take into account the actual hours worked by each individual.

In contrast, FTE calculates the number of full-time hours worked by employees, allowing for a more accurate representation of the organization's labor resources. FTE takes into consideration the hours worked by both full-time and part-time employees and expresses it as a fraction of a full-time employee. This calculation provides a standardized unit of measurement that helps compare and analyze the productivity and cost efficiency of different workforce compositions.

What's the difference between full-time equivalent and headcount?

Headcount refers to the total number of employees in an organization, regardless of the number of hours worked. It includes both full-time and part-time employees, as well as any temporary or seasonal workers. Headcount gives a comprehensive view of the size of the workforce but does not take into account the actual hours worked by each individual.

In contrast, FTE calculates the number of full-time hours worked by employees, allowing for a more accurate representation of the organization's labor resources. FTE takes into consideration the hours worked by both full-time and part-time employees and expresses it as a fraction of a full-time employee. This calculation provides a standardized unit of measurement that helps compare and analyze the productivity and cost efficiency of different workforce compositions.

As an HR professional, understanding the concept of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is essential for effective workforce management and resource allocation. In this section, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about FTE and delve into how it is calculated, its significance in labor costs, and its implications for businesses and employees.

What Does FTE Stand for?

FTE stands for Full-Time Equivalent. It is a unit of measurement used in human resources to calculate the total number of hours worked by employees, both in a full-time position and part-time, in relation to a full-time employee working standard hours.

What is the FTE Formula?

The FTE formula is a tool used by HR professionals and business owners to calculate the full-time equivalent of part-time and full-time employees on an annual basis. This formula is especially useful when it comes to workforce planning, budgeting, and understanding the overall efficiency of a company's workforce.

The formula itself involves dividing the total hours worked by part-time and full-time employees by the number of available full-time hours in a year, which is typically considered to be 2,080. This standard figure represents the total number of hours that a full-time employee would work in a year based on a traditional 40-hour workweek.

By using this formula, HR teams can determine the number of full-time positions that could be filled by the combined hours worked by part-time employees. For example, if one part-time employee works 20 hours per week and another works 30 hours per week, their combined hours would equal 50. Dividing this by 2,080 would result in a full-time equivalent of 0.024, indicating that their combined hours are equivalent to approximately 2.4% of a full-time employee.

Why Is FTE Important?

FTE holds significant importance for HR professionals as it provides a standardized metric for assessing employee workload and tracking cost savings. By utilizing FTE calculations, HR departments are able to effectively allocate resources, manage staffing levels, and optimize workforce productivity.

One key aspect where FTE is particularly valuable is in determining Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual rates. By understanding the FTE of each employee, HR teams can accurately calculate and administer PTO benefits, ensuring employees receive the appropriate amount of time off based on their work schedule and employment status.

Furthermore, FTE plays a crucial role in accounting for employee compensation costs. By aggregating the FTE of all employees, HR professionals can calculate the total FTE count, which directly impacts the budgeting and forecasting process. This allows organizations to estimate labor costs accurately, assess the financial impact of hiring decisions, and strategically plan for future hiring needs.

Additionally, FTE serves as a valuable tool for conducting benchmarking and analysis within an organization. By comparing FTE ratios across different departments or time periods, HR professionals can identify trends, evaluate workforce efficiency, and make informed decisions regarding staffing levels or organizational structure adjustments.

What does FTE 100% mean?

FTE 100% refers to a measure of employment that represents a full-time equivalent. When an employee is considered 100% FTE, it means that they are working full-time hours, typically based on a standard 40-hour workweek. This measurement is often used in human resources to calculate various aspects of workforce planning, budgeting, and analysis.

How Do You Convert FTE to Hours?

To convert an employee's FTE into standard hours, you multiply their FTE rate by 40, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek.

For instance, if an employee has an FTE rate of 0.75, you can calculate their hours as follows:

0.75 FTE * 40 hours/week = 30 hours/week

The employee's FTE rate suggests that they work 0.75 of a full-time employee's hours per week, which translates to 30 hours weekly.

Similarly, let's consider another example where an employee has an FTE rate of 1.2:

1.2 FTE * 40 hours/week = 48 hours/week

In this scenario, the employee's FTE rate indicates that they work 1.2 times the hours of a full-time employee, resulting in 48 hours per week.

Do interns count toward FTE?

When it comes to calculating Full-Time Equivalents (FTE), the question often arises as to whether interns should be included. The answer to this question depends on whether the internship is paid or unpaid.

Paid interns should be included in FTE calculations. Since they are receiving compensation for their work, they contribute to the organization's overall workforce capacity. Including paid interns in FTE calculations provides a more accurate representation of the organization's labor resources.

On the other hand, unpaid interns should not be counted toward FTE. Unpaid interns typically do not receive compensation for their work and are not considered employees in the same way as paid staff members.

However, it's important to note that there may be exceptions or variations in FTE calculations based on specific regulations or guidelines. It's always advisable to consult with legal or HR experts to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and to determine the specific rules regarding internship FTE calculations in your jurisdiction.

What's the difference between full-time equivalent and headcount?

Headcount refers to the total number of employees in an organization, regardless of the number of hours worked. It includes both full-time and part-time employees, as well as any temporary or seasonal workers. Headcount gives a comprehensive view of the size of the workforce but does not take into account the actual hours worked by each individual.

In contrast, FTE calculates the number of full-time hours worked by employees, allowing for a more accurate representation of the organization's labor resources. FTE takes into consideration the hours worked by both full-time and part-time employees and expresses it as a fraction of a full-time employee. This calculation provides a standardized unit of measurement that helps compare and analyze the productivity and cost efficiency of different workforce compositions.

What's the difference between full-time equivalent and headcount?

Headcount refers to the total number of employees in an organization, regardless of the number of hours worked. It includes both full-time and part-time employees, as well as any temporary or seasonal workers. Headcount gives a comprehensive view of the size of the workforce but does not take into account the actual hours worked by each individual.

In contrast, FTE calculates the number of full-time hours worked by employees, allowing for a more accurate representation of the organization's labor resources. FTE takes into consideration the hours worked by both full-time and part-time employees and expresses it as a fraction of a full-time employee. This calculation provides a standardized unit of measurement that helps compare and analyze the productivity and cost efficiency of different workforce compositions.

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Create a better place of work today

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Simplify your people workflows and bring value to everyone in the organisation. Experience Humaans today.

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