{
    "name": "Compa-Ratio Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/compensation-compa-ratio-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/compensation-compa-ratio-calculator.md",
    "category": "Salary, HR & payroll",
    "description": "Calculate an employee’s compa-ratio (salary ÷ range midpoint) and range penetration to see where their pay sits within the salary band.",
    "summary": "Compa-ratio compares a salary with the midpoint of its pay range: 1.00 (100%) is exactly at midpoint. Range penetration shows how far through the band from minimum to maximum the salary sits.",
    "also_called": [
        "Comparative ratio calculator",
        "Range penetration calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "salary",
            "label": "Employee salary",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "57000"
        },
        {
            "name": "midpoint",
            "label": "Pay range midpoint",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "60000"
        },
        {
            "name": "range_min",
            "label": "Range minimum",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "48000",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "range_max",
            "label": "Range maximum",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "72000",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "currency",
            "label": "Currency",
            "type": "currency",
            "default": "USD"
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "compa_ratio",
            "label": "Compa-ratio",
            "format": "decimal4"
        },
        {
            "key": "compa_pct",
            "label": "Compa-ratio as %",
            "format": "percent"
        },
        {
            "key": "gap_to_mid",
            "label": "Gap to midpoint",
            "format": "currency"
        },
        {
            "key": "penetration",
            "label": "Range penetration",
            "format": "text"
        },
        {
            "key": "position",
            "label": "Position",
            "format": "text"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Compa-ratio = Salary ÷ Midpoint;  Range penetration = (Salary − Minimum) ÷ (Maximum − Minimum) × 100",
        "variables": {
            "Midpoint": "the market reference point of the pay range",
            "Minimum, Maximum": "the ends of the pay range"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "salary": "57000",
            "midpoint": "60000",
            "range_min": "48000",
            "range_max": "72000",
            "currency": "USD"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Compa-ratio = 57,000 ÷ 60,000 = 0.95 (95%).",
            "Penetration = (57,000 − 48,000) ÷ (72,000 − 48,000) = 9,000 ÷ 24,000 = 37.5%."
        ],
        "result": "A $57,000 salary in a $48,000–$72,000 band is at a 0.95 compa-ratio, $3,000 below midpoint and 37.5% of the way through the range."
    },
    "interpretation": "Below 1.00 is common for people new to a role; well above 1.00 usually means long service or very strong performance. Comparing average compa-ratios between groups is a quick first check for pay inconsistencies.",
    "assumptions": [
        "The salary and the range are on the same basis (annual base pay, same location and grade)."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Compa-ratio is only as good as the pay range behind it; ranges need regular market review."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "What is a good compa-ratio?",
            "answer": "Many organisations aim for experienced, fully competent staff to sit around 0.95–1.05, but the right target depends on your pay policy."
        },
        {
            "question": "Why use range penetration as well?",
            "answer": "Two people can share a compa-ratio in bands of different widths. Penetration shows position within the band itself, from 0% at minimum to 100% at maximum."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Gender Pay Gap Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/gender-pay-gap-descriptive-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Salary Hike Percentage Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/salary-hike-percentage-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Ratio Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/ratio-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": null,
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}