Bradford Factor calculator
Work out a Bradford Factor score in seconds. Enter the number of separate absence spells and the total days absent over the last 12 months — we apply B = S² × D and explain what the number means.
Trigger bands are set by each employer, not by law. Apply fairly, exclude disability/pregnancy-related absence as appropriate, and never treat the score as automatic discipline. Not legal advice.
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Common questions
What is the Bradford Factor formula?
B = S² × D, where S is the number of separate absence spells and D is the total days absent over a rolling 12 months. Squaring the spells means frequent short absences score far higher than one long absence.
What is a “bad” Bradford Factor score?
There is no legal threshold — each employer sets its own trigger points. Commonly cited examples are 51 (informal review), 201 (further action) and 401 (serious concern), but you must apply them fairly and consistently.
Should all absence count towards the score?
No. Disability-related and pregnancy/maternity-related absence should usually be excluded or handled separately, and the score should never trigger automatic discipline — it is a prompt for a conversation, not a decision.
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