Cycle time and takt time are core lean-manufacturing measures. If cycle time is longer than takt time you cannot keep up with demand; if it is much shorter, you may be over-producing or under-using the line. Cycle time also applies to services, software tickets and any repeated process.
How to use the Cycle Time Calculator
- Available time
- Breaks
- Downtime
- Units produced
- Customer demand
- Every result field is editable: type into Cycle time and Units produced plus every other field update to match.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the available time, breaks and downtime, the units produced and (optionally) the customer demand for the same period.
Tips
- Track a typical week before planning – real figures beat estimates.
- Break big tasks into smaller pieces and plan buffer time for interruptions.
- Re-run the numbers when your inputs change so plans stay realistic.
- Use results as a guide for decisions, not as a precise prediction.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting calendar days when the deadline is in working days (or the reverse).
- Forgetting breaks, setup and handover time.
- Assuming every day is as productive as your best day.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Available time | Units: h, min, s, days |
| Breaks | Units: min, h, s |
| Downtime | Units: min, h, s |
| Units produced | A number |
| Customer demand | A number |
What each result means
- Net production time = [Available time] – [Breaks] – [Downtime]
- Cycle time = [Net production time]÷[Units produced]
- Takt time = [Net production time]÷[Customer demand]
- Throughput = [Units produced]÷([Net production time]÷3600)
Example values
How the main result changes when Units produced changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Units produced | Cycle time (s) |
|---|---|
| 200 | 126 |
| 300 | 84 |
| 400 | 63 |
| 500 | 50.4 |
| 600 | 42 |
| 800 | 31.5 |
Formula
Net production time = shift time − breaks − downtimeCycle time = net production time ÷ units producedTakt time = net production time ÷ customer demandWorked example
Inputs — Available time: 8 h; Breaks: 45 min; Downtime: 15 min; Units produced: 400; Customer demand: 420.
Results — Net production time = 7 h; Cycle time = 63 s; Takt time = 60 s; Throughput = 57.1 units/h; Meets demand? = No – cycle time is longer than takt time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cycle time and takt time?
Cycle time is how long it actually takes to make one unit; takt time is how long you can take and still meet demand.
How do I reduce cycle time?
Remove waste, balance work between stations, reduce changeovers and automate repetitive steps.
What is lead time?
The total time from order to delivery, including waiting – always longer than cycle time.
What formula does the Cycle Time Calculator use?
Net production time = shift time − breaks − downtime.