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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Operation | Choose one: Turning, Milling, Drilling |
| Cutting speed Vc | Units: m/min, ft/min (SFM), m/s |
| Feed per revolution f | Units: mm/rev, in/rev |
| Depth of cut ap | Units: mm, in, cm |
| Width of cut ae | Units: mm, in, cm |
| Table / drill feed rate vf | Units: mm/min, in/min |
| Drill diameter | Units: 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) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 40 |
| 150 | 60 |
| 200 | 80 |
| 250 | 100 |
| 300 | 120 |
| 400 | 160 |
Formula
Turning: MRR = Vc × f × apMilling: MRR = ae × ap × vfDrilling: MRR = π D² ÷ 4 × vfWorked 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.