Labor Force
Returns the total U.S. civilian labor force in thousands. The labor force includes all employed persons plus unemployed persons actively seeking work.
Data Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) / FRED |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Unit | Thousands of persons |
| Coverage | Civilian labor force (16+) |
Notes
- Includes employed + unemployed (actively seeking work)
- Does not include discouraged workers or those not seeking work
- Use with
Population()to calculate participation rate
Syntax
=LaborForce()Examples
=LaborForce()=LaborForce()*1000=LaborForce()/Population()*100=EmployeesNonfarm()/LaborForce()*100When to Use
- Analyzing labor market size
- Calculating participation rates
- Economic research on workforce
- Demographic analysis
When NOT to Use
| Scenario | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| Need just employed | EmployeesNonfarm() |
| Need participation rate directly | LaborForceParticipationRate() |
| Need total population | Population() |
Common Issues & FAQ
What unit is the result in?
Thousands of persons.
Does this include unemployed people?
Yes, it includes both employed and unemployed persons actively seeking work.
Does this include people not looking for work?
No, discouraged workers and those not seeking employment are not counted.
Related Formulas
More MarketXLS Economic Data formulas you can use in the same worksheet:
- Layoffs and Discharges - Nonfarm
- Manufacture Orders - Durable Goods
- Manufacture Orders - Nondefense Capital Goods Except Aircraft
- Monetary Base
- Money Supply - M1
- Money Supply - M2
- Mortgage Rate - 15 Year
- Mortgage Rate - 30 Year
See LaborForce used in a complete workbook: Jobs Report Tracker Excel: Live Labor Market Dashboard for May 2026 NFP
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