Production Rate Calculator
Enter cycle time, shift length and availability to get parts per shift and the utilization percentage — the OEE-shaped reality check on capacity plans.
Last updated: 2026-09-28
How the calculation works
- Available minutes multiply the shift by availability; parts divide that by cycle time.
- The theoretical row shows the 100%-availability fantasy number for contrast.
- Utilization multiplies availability by the cutting share of each cycle.
Formula
parts = shift × 60 × availability ÷ cycle time
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
availability | Share of clock time the machine can actually run | — |
Worked example
Interpreting the result
The gap between theoretical and available output is where production improvement lives: setup reduction (SMED), tool-life management and quick-change fixturing attack availability directly. Realistic planning uses measured availability, not hope — and capacity quotes built on the theoretical number systematically over-commit the shop.
Assumptions
- Uniform cycle time and steady availability across the shift.
- One part per cycle — multi-part fixtures divide the cycle accordingly.
Limitations
- No batch-size effects: long-setup jobs on short runs land far below the calculated rate.
- Scrap and rework rates are not deducted.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts per hour will my machine make?
60 × availability ÷ cycle time. At 80% availability and 3.4 min cycles: 14.1 parts/hour — 113 per 8-hour shift.
What is machine availability?
The fraction of scheduled time the machine can actually run — after setup, breaks, tool changes and stoppages. 75–85% is typical for job shops.