Employee turnover rate calculator.

The formula and what counts as a separation

The usual method divides the number of separations in a period by the average headcount for that period, where average headcount is the start and end headcount added together and halved. A separation is anyone who leaves the payroll: the US Bureau of Labor Statistics defines separations as all employees separated from the payroll during the month, covering quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations such as retirements and deaths.

BLS counts employment as everyone on the payroll for the pay period that includes the 12th of the month, including part-time, seasonal and salaried staff. The page above uses your own headcount, so apply the same rule to every period you compare.

Annualising a short period

If you measure for three months, the page multiplies the period rate by 12 and divides by the months, which is a simple scale-up. Seasonal businesses should compare like periods instead, because one quiet quarter can mislead.

The voluntary rate counts only people who chose to leave. The involuntary and other rate is everything else. To price what leaving costs, try the cost of employee turnover calculator.

Worked example

Turnover rate = separations / average headcount x 100. A team of 120 that ends the year at 130 has an average of 125. If 21 people left, turnover is 21 / 125 = 16.8%.

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FAQ

How do you calculate employee turnover rate?

Divide the number of people who left in the period by the average headcount, then multiply by 100. Average headcount is the start and end headcount added together and divided by two.

What is the difference between turnover and attrition?

In everyday use people use both for staff leaving. Some teams use attrition for leavers who are not replaced. This calculator counts every separation, so it measures turnover.

Is there a good turnover rate?

It depends on the industry, role and location, so the page does not claim one. Compare your own rate with your previous periods and with published figures for your sector.

Does the turnover rate include layoffs?

It does when you count them as separations. Use the voluntary field to see quits on their own.

Sources

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics, JOLTS Data Definitions, opened October 8, 2026
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics, JOLTS Overview Page, opened October 8, 2026

This page is a calculator, not legal or tax advice.