Employee turnover rate calculator
Enter the number of employees at the start and the end of a period, how many left during it and how many months it covers. The calculator gives the turnover rate for the period and a yearly figure you can compare.
Runs in your browser: nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
How to use it
- Enter the headcount at the start and at the end of the period.
- Enter the number of employees who left during the period.
- Enter the length of the period in months: 1 for a month, 3 for a quarter, 12 for a year.
- Read the turnover rate for the period and the annualised rate.
- Average headcount = (start + end) ÷ 2
- Turnover rate = leavers ÷ average headcount × 100 %
- Annualised rate = turnover rate × 12 ÷ months
Worked example
A company started the year with 100 people and ended with 110; 12 left during the year:
- average headcount (100 + 110) / 2 = 105;
- turnover 12 / 105 = 11.43 %, and the annual rate is the same.
For one month with 48 people at the start, 52 at the end and 3 leavers: 3 / 50 = 6 % a month, about 72 % a year.
Tips
- Use the same definition of “employee” every time (full-time only, or including part-time and temporary staff).
- Compare teams or locations rather than reading one company-wide figure.
- Short periods with few people swing a lot; look at the trend over several months.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate employee turnover?
Divide the number of people who left during the period by the average number of employees, (start + end) ÷ 2, and multiply by 100. 12 leavers with an average of 105 employees is 11.43 %.
Who counts as a leaver?
Usually everyone who left for any reason: resignations, dismissals, retirements and the end of fixed contracts. Many companies also report voluntary turnover separately; enter only the resignations to get that rate.
How is the annual rate worked out?
The period rate is scaled to 12 months: rate × 12 ÷ months. A monthly rate of 1.5 % becomes 18 % a year. This assumes people keep leaving at the same pace, which is a simplification.
Is turnover the opposite of retention?
Not exactly. Retention usually measures how many of the people employed at the start are still there at the end, ignoring new hires. The two numbers are related but are calculated differently.