Federal Sentence Computation Guide
A plain-English walkthrough of how the Bureau of Prisons computes federal time: when a sentence commences, how prior custody credit is applied, how Good Conduct Time and First Step Act credits accrue, and how RDAP and Second Chance Act placement fit together.
The order of operations
- Determine the date the federal sentence commences.
- Apply prior custody (jail) credit under 18 U.S.C. § 3585(b).
- Compute the Full Term Date.
- Subtract Good Conduct Time under 18 U.S.C. § 3624(b).
- Apply First Step Act earned time credits, capped at 365 days.
- Apply any RDAP reduction under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e).
- Measure Second Chance Act community placement backward from the result.
Frequently asked questions
When does a federal sentence start?
A federal sentence commences when the defendant is received into federal custody to serve it, or on the date of voluntary surrender to the designated facility.
Federal Sentence Help is an educational resource and is not a law firm. Projections are estimates; actual dates are determined by the Bureau of Prisons. More resources at federalsentencehelp.org.