Global Firepower provides a unique analytical display of data concerning today's world military powers. Sixty-eight countries are currently considered for the ranking which allows for a broad spectrum concerning comparison of relative military strengths. The user should note that nuclear capability is not taken into account as the inclusion of such weapons would defeat the purpose of such comparisons - the GFP ranking is based strictly on each nation's potential conventional war-making capabilities across land, sea and air while incorporating values related to logistical, financial and geographical positions. Sources are stated when possible but it must be understood that some statistics have to be estimated when official numbers are not publicly available.

The final GFP ranking is based on a formula utilizing over forty different factors to which these are compiled and measured against each included nation. Bonuses (ex: low oil consumption) and penalties (ex: high oil consumption, border/coastline coverage) are then applied to refine the list, generating the GFP "Power Index" value ("PwrIndx"). It is this value that provides the final overall GFP ranking.