# Material Removal Rate Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/construction/material-removal-rate/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The material removal rate calculator finds the MRR in cm³/min and in³/min for turning, milling and drilling from the cutting speed, feed, depth and width of cut.

## Inputs

- Operation
- Cutting speed Vc (m/min, ft/min (SFM), m/s)
- Feed per revolution f (mm/rev, in/rev)
- Depth of cut ap (mm, in, cm)
- Width of cut ae (mm, in, cm)
- Table / drill feed rate vf (mm/min, in/min)
- Drill diameter (mm, in, cm)

## Results

- Material removal rate

## Formula

```
Turning: MRR = Vc × f × ap
Milling: MRR = ae × ap × vf
Drilling: MRR = π D² ÷ 4 × vf
```

## Explanation

Material removal rate is the volume of chips a machine produces per minute. It measures productivity, helps compare tooling and strategies and, multiplied by the specific cutting energy of the material, gives the spindle power required.

### How to use the Material Removal Rate Calculator

- **Operation**
- **Cutting speed Vc**
- **Feed per revolution f**
- **Depth of cut ap**
- **Width of cut ae**
- **Table / drill feed rate vf**
- **Drill diameter**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Choose the operation, then enter the cutting parameters it needs.

### Tips for an accurate estimate

- Keep units consistent – the calculator handles conversions, but check every field's unit before reading a result.
- Use values from standards, data sheets or test pieces whenever you have them; typical values are only a starting point.
- Apply appropriate safety factors and have structural, electrical and pressure work checked by a qualified professional.
- Record the inputs you used so the calculation can be reviewed later.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Confusing diameter and radius, or nominal and actual sizes.
- Using allowable stresses and ultimate strengths interchangeably.
- Treating rule-of-thumb results as a substitute for code tables or an engineered design.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterOperationChoose one: Turning, Milling, DrillingCutting speed VcUnits: m/min, ft/min (SFM), m/sFeed per revolution fUnits: mm/rev, in/revDepth of cut apUnits: mm, in, cmWidth of cut aeUnits: mm, in, cmTable / drill feed rate vfUnits: mm/min, in/minDrill diameterUnits: mm, in, cm

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Cutting speed Vc** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Cutting speed Vc (m/min)Material removal rate (cm³/min)100401506020080250100300120400160

## Worked example

Inputs — Operation: Turning; Cutting speed Vc: 200 m/min; Feed per revolution f: 0.2 mm/rev; Depth of cut ap: 2 mm; Width of cut ae: 10 mm; Table / drill feed rate vf: 500 mm/min; Drill diameter: 10 mm.

Results — **Material removal rate = 80 cm³/min**.

## FAQ

**What is a good material removal rate?**
It depends on machine power, rigidity and material: a small mill might remove 5–20 cm³/min of steel, a large one hundreds.

**How does MRR relate to power?**
Power ≈ MRR × specific cutting energy (about 2–3 W·s/mm³ for steel, 0.7 for aluminium).

**Should I increase depth or feed to raise MRR?**
Depth of cut usually affects tool life least; feed next; speed has the largest effect on wear.

**What formula does the Material Removal Rate Calculator use?**
Turning: MRR = Vc × f × ap.


## Sources

- [Sandvik Coromant – Metal cutting formulas](https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/)