Reference · 2025 USSC Sentencing Table
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Chart
The federal sentencing table in plain English. Pick an offense level and criminal history category to see the advisory range in months — and what "Zone A, B, C, or D" actually means for your sentence.
Find your guideline range
This is the advisory range. The judge can vary above or below it.
Higher = more serious. Levels are set by the specific guideline for the offense, plus adjustments (role, victim, acceptance of responsibility, etc.).
Category I: 0 or 1 criminal history points.
Advisory Guideline Range
33-41 months
Full 2025 sentencing table
Ranges in months. Tap any cell to load it above.
| Level | CHC I | CHC II | CHC III | CHC IV | CHC V | CHC VI |
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How to read the chart, in plain English
What is an "offense level"?
Every federal offense has a base offense level in the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Then adjustments push it up or down — things like the amount of loss, drug quantity, use of a weapon, role in the offense, obstruction of justice, and acceptance of responsibility. The final number, from 1 to 43, is your Total Offense Level.
What is a "criminal history category"?
The court assigns points based on prior sentences. Those points map to a category from I (little or no record) to VI (extensive record). Category I means 0 or 1 point; Category VI means 13 or more.
The four zones
- Zone A — Probation likely available. Total sentence is 0–6 months. Court may impose probation without any prison time.
- Zone B — Probation with conditions possible. Minimum 1–6 months. Court can substitute community confinement, home detention, or intermittent confinement for prison.
- Zone C — Split sentence. Minimum 8–12 months. At least half must be prison; the rest can be community confinement or home detention.
- Zone D — Prison sentence. Minimum 13+ months. The full guideline range must be served in prison (subject to First Step Act credits and other reductions).
Is the range mandatory?
No. Since United States v. Booker (2005), the guidelines are advisory. Judges must calculate and consider the range, but can vary above or below it based on the factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). Statutory minimums and maximums still apply.
Estimate your sentence in under 2 minutes
Our free calculator walks you through offense level, adjustments, and criminal history — then shows the range plus First Step Act and RDAP eligibility.
Open the free sentencing calculator