How we’ve calculated our measures

Further information on the definitions of metrics quoted and how they have been calculated.

Grade Point Average (GPA):

A simple measure of the overall quality of research, which takes no account of the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff submitted. It is calculated as follows: (% of activity at 4* x 4)+(% of activity at 3* x 3)+(% of activity at 2* x 2)+(% of activity at 1* x 1). The maximum value for this measure is 4.

Quality Index (QI):

A measure of overall quality of research that gives a greater weighting to activity at the higher quality levels.  It is calculated as follows: [(% of activity at 4* x 16)+(% of activity at 3* x 9)+(% of activity at 2* x 4)+(% of activity at 1* x 1)]/16.  The maximum value for this measure is 100.

Power:

Using Quality Index (QI) and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff included in a submission, Power provides a score relative to other submissions. It is calculated as follows: (QI x FTE submitted) / largest (QI x FTE submitted) within unit. The maximum values for this measure is 1.

Back to: Research Excellence Framework 2021