Bradford Factor Calculator

Calculate the Bradford factor (S² × D) from absence spells and total days absent. See interpretation bands and policy guidance.

Use the Bradford Factor Calculator

Enter number of absence spells and total days absent. Score and interpretation update as you type.

Absence spells & days

Number of absence spells (S) and total days absent (D).

Number of absence spells

Total days absent

Results

Bradford factor score

160

Breakdown: S² × D = 4² × 10 = 160. Higher scores reflect frequent short absences rather than one long absence.

Interpretation band

Medium (policy-defined threshold). Default bands: 0–99 low, 100–399 medium, 400+ high. Adjust thresholds to match your policy.

What this metric means

The Bradford factor emphasises frequent short absences over one long absence. It’s used by some employers to flag patterns that might need support or review, within the bounds of policy and law.

How to interpret your result

Higher scores mean more spells for the same total days. Use your organisation’s bands (or the example bands in the calculator) as a guide. The score should inform conversation and process, not replace them.

FAQs

What is the Bradford factor?▾

The Bradford factor is a score used to highlight frequent short absences: Bradford = S² × D, where S is the number of absence spells and D is total days absent. High scores suggest many short spells rather than one long one.

Why does it use S²?▾

Squaring the number of spells weights frequency heavily. Ten single-day absences produce a much higher score than one 10-day absence, so the metric flags patterns that may need support or review.

What are typical thresholds?▾

Organisations set their own. Example bands: 0–99 low, 100–399 medium, 400+ high—often triggering review or support. The calculator uses sensible defaults but labels them as policy-defined.

Should I use it for disciplinary action?▾

The Bradford factor is a trigger for review, not proof of misconduct. Use it to start conversations, offer support, or check for patterns. Follow your absence policy and legal requirements; don’t rely on the score alone.

What are the limitations?▾

It doesn’t distinguish voluntary from involuntary absence or account for disability or protected leave. Use it as one input among many and always in line with HR policy and law.

Related tools

Browse all calculators on NetGrow, including absence percentage and attrition rate.

Use the Bradford Factor Calculator

Enter number of absence spells and total days absent. Score and interpretation update as you type.

Absence spells & days

Number of absence spells (S) and total days absent (D).

Number of absence spells

Total days absent

Results

Bradford factor score

160

Breakdown: S² × D = 4² × 10 = 160. Higher scores reflect frequent short absences rather than one long absence.

Interpretation band

Medium (policy-defined threshold). Default bands: 0–99 low, 100–399 medium, 400+ high. Adjust thresholds to match your policy.

FAQs

What is the Bradford factor?▾

Why does it use S²?▾

Squaring the number of spells weights frequency heavily. Ten single-day absences produce a much higher score than one 10-day absence, so the metric flags patterns that may need support or review.

What are typical thresholds?▾

Organisations set their own. Example bands: 0–99 low, 100–399 medium, 400+ high—often triggering review or support. The calculator uses sensible defaults but labels them as policy-defined.

Should I use it for disciplinary action?▾

What are the limitations?▾

It doesn’t distinguish voluntary from involuntary absence or account for disability or protected leave. Use it as one input among many and always in line with HR policy and law.