What are your open roles really costing you?
Every day a seat sits empty costs output and overtime. Estimate it in under a minute.
- Lost output
- $57,000
- Overtime premium
- $2,280
- Potential savings from faster fills
- $27,664
How this calculator works
Vacancy cost = (daily pay × value multiplier × days open × open positions) + overtime premium paid to cover the work. These are estimates for planning — your actual numbers depend on your operation. Read more in the true cost of an unfilled position.
How is the cost of a vacant position calculated?
This calculator multiplies the daily value of each role by the number of working days it stays open, then adds the overtime premium paid to other employees covering the work.
What daily value should I use?
For revenue-generating roles, use daily revenue contribution. For operations roles, a common rule of thumb is two to three times the role's daily pay, reflecting output not produced.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. It runs in your browser. You can optionally have the breakdown sent to you and a Helix recruiter will follow up with a staffing plan.