How is a federal sentence calculated?

Federal sentences are calculated by combining an offense level (1–43) with a Criminal History Category (I–VI) on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines table. Each offense has a base offense level; specific-offense characteristics and adjustments raise or lower it. That final offense level is cross-referenced with the defendant's Criminal History Category on the Sentencing Table in Chapter 5, Part A of the 2024 Guidelines Manual, which returns an advisory imprisonment range in months.

What is the difference between federal and state sentencing guidelines?

Federal sentencing uses one national guidelines manual applied by U.S. District Courts, while state sentencing varies state-by-state — some use structured grids, others use statutory ranges with judicial discretion. Structured-grid states include North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Washington, and Kansas. Required time-served percentages, good-time credits, and parole eligibility all differ by state.

How much time will I actually serve on a federal sentence?

Most federal inmates serve about 85% of the imposed sentence after Good Conduct Time, and can reduce that further with First Step Act credits and RDAP. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3624, inmates earn up to 54 days of Good Conduct Time per year. Eligible inmates can earn additional First Step Act (FSA) Earned Time Credits based on programming and PATTERN risk score, and completing the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) can reduce a sentence by up to 12 months.

Who is eligible for the First Step Act (FSA) time credits?

Most people in Bureau of Prisons custody can earn FSA time credits, unless their offense is on the statutory exclusion list in 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)(D). Earning rate depends on PATTERN recidivism-risk score: minimum/low risk earn faster, and credits can be applied toward prerelease custody or supervised release.

Is this calculator legal advice?

No — this is an educational estimate, not legal advice. Actual sentences depend on plea negotiations, judicial discretion, statutory minimums, departures, variances, and case-specific facts. Anyone facing federal or state charges should consult a licensed criminal defense attorney.

Where do the numbers in this calculator come from?

Federal estimates come from the 2024 USSG Sentencing Table; state estimates come from each state's published sentencing grid or statutory ranges. All sources are official U.S. Sentencing Commission and state judicial or corrections publications, listed on our Terms & Sources page.

Federal & State Sentencing Guidelines Calculator

Answer a few questions to see an educational estimate based on the official 2024 U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and state-specific sentencing grids.

Last updated July 21, 2026

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Step 1

Federal or state case?

Federal sentencing uses the USSG points table. State cases use each state's own grid, points, or offense-class system.

Estimates only. Not legal advice. See terms & official sources.

How the sentencing calculator works

1Pick your jurisdiction. Choose Federal or the specific state where the case is charged. This selects the correct guideline framework (USSG vs. state grid or statutory range).
2Enter offense level or severity. For federal cases, enter your final offense level (1–43). For state cases, enter the offense class or severity level used in that state.
3Enter criminal history. Enter Criminal History Category (I–VI) for federal, or prior-record score/level for state cases.
4Review your advisory range. The calculator returns an advisory imprisonment range in months plus applicable credits: Good Conduct Time, First Step Act, and RDAP for federal cases.

Federal cases follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG). We look up the advisory imprisonment range on the 2024 Sentencing Table in Chapter 5, Part A, and estimate Good Conduct Time under 18 U.S.C. § 3624, First Step Act Earned Time Credits, and RDAP reductions where they apply.

State cases use each state's published sentencing framework. Structured-grid states (NC, PA, MN, WA, KS and others) return a cell-based range from offense severity and prior-record score. Statutory-range states return the applicable min/max plus required time-served percentage.

Because every case turns on plea posture, statutory minimums, guideline departures, variances, and judicial discretion, treat the output as a starting point for conversation with a licensed criminal defense attorney — not a prediction. See our glossary for definitions of USSG, PATTERN, FSA, RDAP, and other terms used here.

Frequently asked questions

How is a federal sentence calculated?: Federal sentences are calculated by combining an offense level (1–43) with a Criminal History Category (I–VI) on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines table. Each offense has a base offense level; specific-offense characteristics and adjustments raise or lower it. That final offense level is cross-referenced with the defendant's Criminal History Category on the Sentencing Table in Chapter 5, Part A of the 2024 Guidelines Manual, which returns an advisory imprisonment range in months.
What is the difference between federal and state sentencing guidelines?: Federal sentencing uses one national guidelines manual applied by U.S. District Courts, while state sentencing varies state-by-state — some use structured grids, others use statutory ranges with judicial discretion. Structured-grid states include North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Washington, and Kansas. Required time-served percentages, good-time credits, and parole eligibility all differ by state.
How much time will I actually serve on a federal sentence?: Most federal inmates serve about 85% of the imposed sentence after Good Conduct Time, and can reduce that further with First Step Act credits and RDAP. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3624, inmates earn up to 54 days of Good Conduct Time per year. Eligible inmates can earn additional First Step Act (FSA) Earned Time Credits based on programming and PATTERN risk score, and completing the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) can reduce a sentence by up to 12 months.
Who is eligible for the First Step Act (FSA) time credits?: Most people in Bureau of Prisons custody can earn FSA time credits, unless their offense is on the statutory exclusion list in 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)(D). Earning rate depends on PATTERN recidivism-risk score: minimum/low risk earn faster, and credits can be applied toward prerelease custody or supervised release.
Is this calculator legal advice?: No — this is an educational estimate, not legal advice. Actual sentences depend on plea negotiations, judicial discretion, statutory minimums, departures, variances, and case-specific facts. Anyone facing federal or state charges should consult a licensed criminal defense attorney.
Where do the numbers in this calculator come from?: Federal estimates come from the 2024 USSG Sentencing Table; state estimates come from each state's published sentencing grid or statutory ranges. All sources are official U.S. Sentencing Commission and state judicial or corrections publications, listed on our Terms & Sources page.