Cycle Time Calculator
Calculate average time to produce one item and optimize your productivity
Calculate Cycle Time
Time spent on actual work (excluding breaks)
Total number of items produced
Cycle Time Results
Formula used: Cycle Time = Net Production Time ÷ Units Produced
Calculation: 0.0 minutes ÷ 0 units = 0.0 minutes/unit
Productivity Analysis
Example Calculation
Handmade Jewelry Business
Work schedule: 2 hours/day × 6 days = 12 hours total
Production: 10 pieces of jewelry completed
Net production time: 12 hours = 720 minutes
Calculation
Cycle Time = 720 minutes ÷ 10 pieces
Cycle Time = 72 minutes per piece
Throughput = 60 ÷ 72 = 0.83 pieces/hour
Cycle Time vs Takt Time
Cycle Time
Time to produce one item
Your current capability
Takt Time
Time needed to meet demand
Customer requirement
Goal: Balance cycle time with takt time for optimal efficiency
Applications
Manufacturing and production
Retail and service operations
Creative and handmade businesses
Food service and restaurants
Project management
Understanding Cycle Time
What is Cycle Time?
Cycle time is the average time it takes to produce one item from start to finish. It's a crucial metric for measuring productivity, efficiency, and capacity planning in any production or service environment.
Why Calculate Cycle Time?
- •Set realistic pricing based on time investment
- •Identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities
- •Plan capacity and resource allocation
- •Track productivity improvements over time
Formula and Applications
Cycle Time = Net Production Time ÷ Units Produced
Key Considerations
- Net Production Time: Exclude breaks, setup, and non-productive time
- Consistency: Use representative time periods for accurate results
- Variation: Consider seasonal or cyclical variations
- Continuous Improvement: Regular measurement enables optimization
Tip: Compare your cycle time with industry benchmarks to identify competitive advantages or areas for improvement.