free calculator

Knowledge loss calculator

When an engineer leaves, the cost isn't just hiring a replacement. It's the interpretive layer that walks out the door. See what each departure actually costs.

Your inputs

Model a specific departure, or a typical one for your team.

Years at the company

3 yr
110

Affects replacement multiplier

For remaining engineers consumed by transfer

$150
80250

1 = tribal knowledge only, 10 = comprehensive

4/10
110
Total cost of this departure
$292K
Direct + indirect costs over the next 12 months
Replacement cost$220K

Recruiting, comp differential, signing, for a comparable replacement.

Knowledge transfer$17K

112 hours of remaining team time spent transferring context.

Re-discovery$22K

144 hours re-trying ruled-out approaches and re-deciding what was already decided.

Ramp productivity loss$33K

3-month ramp at ~50% productivity for the replacement.

What context infrastructure changes
$21K
Recoverable per departure
7%
Of total departure cost

Declared-state records capture the interpretive layer that usually exits with the departing engineer. The decisions and rationale stay in the record, and the re-discovery cost shrinks significantly.

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