Takt time comes from lean manufacturing; if cycle time is longer than takt time, the line cannot keep up.
How to use the Takt Time Calculator
- Shift length
- Breaks
- Units required per shift
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Subtract breaks from the shift time and divide by the units the customer needs in that period.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Shift length | Units: h, min, days |
| Breaks | Units: min, h, s |
| Units required per shift | A number |
What each result means
- Available time = [Shift length]×60 – [Breaks]
- Takt time = [Available time]×60÷[Units required per shift]
Example values
How the main result changes when Shift length changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Shift length (h) | Takt time (seconds per unit) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 27.1 |
| 6 | 44.3 |
| 8 | 61.4 |
| 10 | 78.6 |
| 12 | 95.7 |
| 16 | 130 |
Formula
Takt time = available production time ÷ customer demandWorked example
Inputs — Shift length: 8 h; Breaks: 50 min; Units required per shift: 420.
Results — Available time = 430 min; Takt time = 61.4 seconds per unit.
Frequently asked questions
How is takt different from cycle time?
Takt is the required pace; cycle time is how long the process actually takes.
What if cycle time is longer?
Add capacity, rebalance work or reduce waste.
What formula does the Takt Time Calculator use?
Takt time = available production time ÷ customer demand.