About this calculator
The Attrition Rate Calculator works out what percentage of your workforce left over a given period, based on your headcount at the start and end of that period.
How is attrition rate calculated?
Attrition rate is calculated by dividing the number of employees who left during the period by the average (or starting) headcount, then multiplying by 100: Attrition Rate = (Employees Who Left ÷ Average Headcount) × 100. A rate of 15% over a year means roughly 15 out of every 100 employees left during that time.
Why does attrition rate matter?
Attrition rate is one of the clearest signals of workforce stability. A rate that's too high can point to problems with pay, management, culture, or growth opportunities, and it carries real costs — recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity while replacements ramp up. Comparing your rate against industry benchmarks helps you judge whether it's a normal level of turnover or a warning sign.
Attrition rate vs. turnover rate
The terms are often used interchangeably, but some organizations draw a distinction: attrition typically refers to positions that aren't refilled (e.g. due to restructuring or voluntary exits without replacement), while turnover includes all departures regardless of whether the role is backfilled. Check how your organization defines the term before comparing figures across teams or years.