Step 1
Determine the Total Offense Level.
The calculation ordinarily begins with the guideline applicable to the offense of conviction. A base offense level is adjusted by specific offense characteristics, relevant conduct, victim-related adjustments, role, obstruction, multiple-count grouping, acceptance of responsibility, and any other applicable guideline provision.
The resulting total is placed on the table’s vertical axis. A higher offense level generally produces a higher range.
Step 2
Determine Criminal History Category.
Chapter Four assigns criminal-history points under detailed rules governing prior sentences, timing, related cases, and other considerations. The usual point bands are Category I for 0–1 point, II for 2–3, III for 4–6, IV for 7–9, V for 10–12, and VI for 13 or more.
Career-offender and armed-career-criminal rules can alter the ordinary calculation.
Step 3
Read the intersection—then apply the law.
The horizontal category and vertical offense level meet at an advisory imprisonment range. For example, Level 15 and Category III intersect at 24–30 months.
The court must correctly calculate and consider the Guidelines, while also applying the governing statutes and the sentencing factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). The Guidelines are advisory in most federal cases, but mandatory statutory provisions remain controlling.