Resolved: To Guide
Online, calculators and videos projecting federal prison sentences abound. Yet the formula used to compute them—even by the Federal Bureau of Prisons—remains unclear. A system that rigid, one that demands compliance at every step, should be able to explain how it counts time. This calculator provides that clarity. It’s free, use it.
Definitions
SSentence in days, measured from start date to full-term release date (adjusted for prior custody credit)
RGCT rate: 54 days per year with GED or higher education; 42 days per year without
GCTGood Conduct Time = round((S ÷ 365) × R)
RDAPResidential Drug Abuse Program reduction = min(365, S − GCT), if eligible; 0 if not
TTime to serve after GCT and RDAP = S − GCT − RDAP
ETCEarned Time Credits, accumulated from T through 30-day programming periods at 10 or 15 days per period under the First Step Act; 0 if ineligible
TCTime in custody (days)—the final result
How ETC accumulates
To compute earned time credits, you must know your PATTERN risk classification: Minimum/Low or Medium/High. This classification determines the earning rate and cannot be assumed. The BOP assigns the PATTERN score; incarcerated individuals can request their score through their unit team.
Each 30-day period of programming earns a credit of 10 or 15 days. All incarcerated individuals begin at 10 days per period. Incarcerated individuals classified Minimum or Low risk earn 15 days per period after their second PATTERN assessment. The second assessment occurs at day 28 plus an interval: 90 days if fewer than 365 days remain after the first assessment, 180 days if 365 or more remain. Incarcerated individuals classified Medium or High remain at 10 days per period throughout.Second assessment = day 28 + interval
Interval = 90 days (if <365 remaining)
Interval = 180 days (if ≥365 remaining)
Each period consumes 30 days served plus the credit earned. Accumulation continues until the total consumed equals T. The final incomplete period (fewer than 30 days remaining) earns no credit.Interval = 90 days (if <365 remaining)
Interval = 180 days (if ≥365 remaining)
Credit application
Credits divide into two categories:
Credits toward early supervised release = min(ETC, 365)
Credits toward community placement = max(ETC − 365, 0)
The first 365 days of earned credits move the release date forward to early supervised release. Any credits exceeding 365 days are applied toward transfer to a halfway house or home confinement.Credits toward community placement = max(ETC − 365, 0)
Release dates
Full-term release = start date + S
GCT release = full-term release − GCT
RDAP release = GCT release − RDAP
FSA conditional release = RDAP release − min(ETC, 365)
FSA conditional placement = start date + TC
Each date builds on the previous reduction. The full-term date assumes no credits. GCT is subtracted first. RDAP is subtracted second. FSA earned time credits are subtracted last, split between supervised release (up to 365 days) and community placement (remainder).GCT release = full-term release − GCT
RDAP release = GCT release − RDAP
FSA conditional release = RDAP release − min(ETC, 365)
FSA conditional placement = start date + TC