Bradford Factor Calculator (Absence)
The Bradford factor used by many employers to measure short, frequent absences, from the number of separate absences and the total days.
Results
Bradford factor
45
Same days in a single absence
5
What this tool does
Squaring the number of spells is the whole point: five days off in one block scores 5, while the same five days as five separate single days scores 125, because frequent short absences tend to disrupt work more. Trigger points are set by each employer's policy, not by the formula. Use it with care — absences linked to disability, pregnancy or other protected reasons usually must be treated differently, and the score says nothing about why someone was off.
Formula
B = S² × D (S = number of spells, D = total days)
Variables
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
s | Separate absences (spells) | — |
d | Total days absent | d |
B | Bradford factor | — |
B1 | Same days in a single absence | — |
Worked example
- Separate absences (spells)3
- Total days absent5 d
- Bradford factor45
- Same days in a single absence5
Limitations
- The result is an estimate based only on the values you type. Real situations often include factors this calculator does not know about.
- For work that must comply with a standard or be signed off, check the result against the applicable code and have it reviewed by a qualified engineer.