How Many Evals Are Used To Calculate Pma

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PMA Calculator: How Many Evals Are Used to Calculate PMA?


PMA Calculator

PMA Calculator: How Many Evals Are Used to Calculate PMA?

This calculator helps you determine your Navy Periodic Mean Average (PMA) and shows you exactly how many of your most recent evaluations (Evals) are used in the calculation based on your paygrade. Enter your paygrade and recent trait averages to get an instant result.


Your paygrade determines the rules for how many evals are used to calculate PMA.

Enter Recent Eval Trait Averages

Enter your most recent eval scores first. Leave fields blank for evals you don’t have. The calculator will automatically use the correct number of recent scores.









What is PMA (Periodic Mean Average)?

The Periodic Mean Average (PMA) is a critical component of the Navy Enlisted Advancement System. It is the average of your trait scores from your most recent performance evaluations (Evals). The primary purpose of the PMA is to provide a standardized measure of a Sailor’s performance over a specific period, which is then used to calculate their Final Multiple Score (FMS) for advancement. Understanding **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** is crucial for any Sailor competing for the next paygrade.

This metric is used for Sailors in paygrades E-4 (competing for E-5) through E-6 (competing for E-7). The rules for **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** vary by paygrade, making it essential to know the specific requirements for your rank. A common misconception is that all your evals count; in reality, only a select number of the most recent ones within a specific timeframe are considered.

PMA Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The formula for calculating PMA is straightforward: it is the simple arithmetic mean of the trait averages from the evaluations that fall within the prescribed rules for a given advancement cycle. The complexity lies not in the math itself, but in determining which evals to include. This is the core of understanding **how many evals are used to calculate PMA**.

The general formula is:

PMA = (Sum of Trait Averages of all valid Evals) / (Number of valid Evals)

The “valid evals” are determined by these paygrade-specific rules:

  • For E-5 (PO2) Advancement: The PMA is calculated from all evaluations in the 24 months prior to the advancement cycle, up to a maximum of 3 evals.
  • For E-6 (PO1) Advancement: The PMA is calculated from all evaluations in the 36 months prior to the advancement cycle, up to a maximum of 5 evals.
  • For E-7 (CPO) Advancement: The PMA is calculated from all evaluations in the 60 months prior to the advancement cycle. There is no specified maximum number, but it typically includes around 5-7 evals depending on reporting periods. Our calculator uses a maximum of 7 for practical purposes.

Knowing these rules is the key to answering **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** for your specific situation. For more information on your advancement, you might want to review the guide to understanding Navy evals.

Variables Explained

Variable Meaning Unit Typical Range
Trait Average The average score of all performance traits on a single evaluation report. Numeric Score 1.00 to 5.00
Paygrade The Sailor’s current rank (e.g., E-5, E-6). Alphanumeric E-5, E-6, E-7
Number of Evals Used The count of evaluations included in the PMA calculation. Integer 1 to 7
PMA The final calculated Periodic Mean Average. Numeric Score 1.00 to 5.00

Practical Examples

Example 1: Petty Officer Second Class (E-5)

An IT2 is competing for E-6. They have four evals in their record with the following trait averages, listed from most recent to oldest: 4.50, 4.30, 4.25, and 4.10. The rule for E-6 advancement is to use up to 5 evals from the last 36 months. Since the Sailor only has four, all four will likely be used (assuming they are all within the 36-month window).

  • Inputs: Paygrade E-6, Evals: 4.50, 4.30, 4.25, 4.10
  • Evals Used: 4
  • Calculation: (4.50 + 4.30 + 4.25 + 4.10) / 4 = 17.15 / 4 = 4.2875
  • Resulting PMA: 4.29 (rounded)

This example shows that when you have fewer evals than the maximum, all available ones (within the time window) are used. This directly answers **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** in this scenario.

Example 2: Petty Officer First Class (E-6) going for Chief

A BM1 is being considered for Chief Petty Officer (E-7). They have six evals in their record from the last five years with scores: 4.80, 4.75, 4.60, 4.50, 4.40, 4.20. The rule for E-7 is to use evals from the last 60 months (5 years). Assuming all six fall within this window, all six will be used.

  • Inputs: Paygrade E-7, Evals: 4.80, 4.75, 4.60, 4.50, 4.40, 4.20
  • Evals Used: 6
  • Calculation: (4.80 + 4.75 + 4.60 + 4.50 + 4.40 + 4.20) / 6 = 27.25 / 6 = 4.5416
  • Resulting PMA: 4.54 (rounded)

This demonstrates **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** for the highly competitive Chief’s board. To maximize your chances, you might also use an advancement points calculator to see the full picture.

How to Use This PMA Calculator

Our tool is designed to be simple and intuitive, giving you a clear answer on your PMA and **how many evals are used to calculate PMA**.

  1. Select Your Paygrade: Choose E-5, E-6, or E-7 from the dropdown menu. This sets the calculation rules.
  2. Enter Your Eval Scores: Input your trait averages into the fields, starting with your most recent evaluation in the “Most Recent Eval (1)” box. Continue with older evals in descending order.
  3. Review the Real-Time Results: As you enter scores, the calculator instantly updates your PMA, the number of evals used, and other key data.
  4. Analyze the Details: The table and chart below the main results provide a visual breakdown, showing exactly which evals were included in the calculation. This is the clearest way to see **how many evals are used to calculate PMA**.
  5. Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear the form or “Copy Results” to save a summary for your records.

Key Factors That Affect PMA Results

Several factors can influence your final PMA score. Understanding them is key to career progression and knowing **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** effectively.

  • Individual Eval Scores: This is the most direct factor. A single high or low trait average can significantly shift your PMA. Strive for consistent, high performance.
  • Paygrade: As explained, your paygrade dictates the rules of the game—specifically, the time window and the maximum number of evals considered.
  • Timing of Evals: An eval’s closing date is critical. An excellent eval that falls just outside the time window for the current cycle will not be included, impacting your PMA.
  • Consistency Over Time: A record of consistently strong evals is more powerful than one or two standout evals mixed with mediocre ones. It demonstrates sustained, reliable performance.
  • Adverse or Special Evals: A poor performance eval can drag down your average significantly. Conversely, a special eval for outstanding performance can provide a major boost if it falls within the window.
  • Data Accuracy: Ensure the trait averages you use are correct. Always refer to your official eval copies from your service record. A simple data entry error can lead to an incorrect PMA calculation. You can learn more about this in our Navy career planning guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a good PMA score?

A “good” PMA is relative and depends on the paygrade and rate (job). For competitive rates, a PMA above 4.0 is often necessary, and for Chief, scores often need to be 4.50 or higher. The best way to gauge this is to look at the published profile sheets for your rate from previous advancement cycles.

2. How is PMA different from the Final Multiple Score (FMS)?

PMA is just one part of the FMS. The FMS is the total score used for advancement and includes your PMA, exam score, service-in-paygrade points, awards, and education. Knowing **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** is the first step to understanding your overall FMS. A Final Multiple Score calculator can help you see the complete picture.

3. What if I have fewer evals than the maximum allowed?

If you have fewer evals than the maximum (e.g., you have 3 evals as an E-5, where the max is 3), the Navy will use all available evals that fall within the time period. The average will be based on the number of evals you have.

4. Do E-4 and below have a PMA?

No. The PMA calculation begins for E-4s competing for E-5. Advancement to E-4 is based on different criteria, primarily time-in-rate and recommendation from the command.

5. Does a “Not Observed” (NOB) eval count towards PMA?

No, a Not Observed eval is not a graded performance report and does not contain a trait average. Therefore, it is not included in the PMA calculation. It simply documents a period where a graded eval was not required.

6. How often is my PMA recalculated?

Your PMA is recalculated for each advancement cycle you are eligible for. As new evals are added and old ones fall outside the time window, your PMA will change. This is why understanding **how many evals are used to calculate PMA** is a continuous process.

7. Can a bad eval be removed from my PMA calculation?

You cannot have an eval removed simply because it is low. It will only be excluded from the PMA calculation once it falls outside the time-in-service window for your paygrade. The only other way is through a formal BCNR (Board for Correction of Naval Records) process if the eval was unjust or erroneous.

8. Where do I find my official trait averages?

Your official trait average is listed in block 45 on your Enlisted Performance Evaluation Report (NAVPERS 1616/26). Always use the official document for the most accurate data when calculating your PMA. For more details, check our guide on deciphering your eval.

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