CFI versus RMSEA: A comparison of two fit indexes for structural equation modeling

Abstract

This article compares two structural equation modeling fit indexes—Bentler's ( 1990; Bentler & Bonett, 1980) Confirmatory Fit Index (CFI) and Steiger and Lind's (1980; Browne & Cudeck, 1993) Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). These two fit indexes are both conceptually linked to the noncentral chi‐square distribution, but CFI has seen much wider use in applied research, whereas RMSEA has only recently been gaining attention. The article suggests that use of CFI is problematic because of its baseline model. CFI seems to be appropriate in more exploratory contexts, whereas RMSEA is appropriate in more confirmatory contexts. On the other hand, CFI does have an established parsimony adjustment, although the adjustment included in RMSEA may be inadequate.