Deadline Panic Index Calculator

📖 Overview

Calendar time is not productive time.

This tool subtracts interruption drag from daily capacity then compares available hours against remaining work.

Use it to detect schedule risk early and cut scope before failure becomes locked in.

Use these default and higher-pressure example inputs to explore how sensitive this calculator is before using your real numbers.

Scores schedule stress by comparing remaining work against realistic net delivery capacity.

The Formula

Panic Index = Work Remaining ÷ ((Productive Hours − Interruptions) × Days Left)

Work Remaining	Hours still needed to finish scope
Productive Hours	Usable focused hours per day
Interruptions	Daily hours lost to meetings/context switching
Days Left	Execution days remaining before deadline

💡Index > 1 means required work exceeds capacity. Action is usually needed immediately.

Panic index	Meaning	Typical action
<0.7	Comfortable runway	Maintain plan
0.7-1.0	Tight but feasible	Prioritize critical path
1.0-1.3	High risk	Cut scope or add capacity
>1.3	Critical	Re-plan deadline and commitments

Use this tool when you need a fast decision during active planning or execution.
Use this before committing money, time, or tradeoffs that are hard to reverse.
Use this to compare options using the same assumptions across scenarios.

Results can be misleading if key inputs are missing, stale, or unrealistic.
Very small or very large values may amplify rounding effects and interpretation risk.
If assumptions change mid-decision, recalculate before acting.

💡 If index exceeds 1.0, scope cuts or schedule changes are usually required.

💡 Track this weekly for project control.

💡 Measure interruptions honestly; optimistic inputs hide real risk.

❓ What index means dangerous?

Above 1.0 is high risk; above ~1.3 is critical without intervention.

❓ Why subtract interruptions?

Raw calendar time overstates true delivery capacity.