Capacity Planning Calculator
Compare required hours (demand × time per unit) with available hours at your planned utilisation.
In short
Formula: Required = demand × time per unit. Available = resources × hours × utilisation. Balance = available − required.
What this calculator does
Compare required hours (demand × time per unit) with available hours at your planned utilisation. Worked example, questions and limitations included.
Use it to turn Forecast demand, Time per unit, Resources (machines or people), Available hours per resource in the period, and the other shown inputs into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.
The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this supply chain calculation.
Inputs and what they mean
- Forecast demand
- — number value.
- Time per unit
- — number value.
- Resources (machines or people)
- — number value.
- Available hours per resource in the period
- — number value.
- Planned utilisation (your target)
- — number value.
How to use it
- Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
- Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
- Read the limitations before relying on the result.
Formula
Rough-cut capacity planning (ASCM dictionary).
Utilisation is your planning target; none is assumed.
For a production line, also see the production capacity calculator.
Required = demand × time per unit. Available = resources × hours × utilisation. Balance = available − required.
Inputs used: Forecast demand, Time per unit, Resources (machines or people), Available hours per resource in the period, Planned utilisation (your target).
Worked example
Quarterly plan
- Required = 2,500 h.
- Available = 2,720 h.
- Balance = +220 h.
Reading the result
The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.
Limitations and assumptions
- Single resource type.
- Aggregate hours.
- No sequencing.
- Results are planning estimates built only from the figures you enter. No prices, rates, demand patterns or service levels are built in, and the results are not supplier quotes or carrier rates.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this capacity planning calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Common questions
Why not plan to 100%?
Breakdowns, changeovers and absence eat into capacity. Choose a realistic target.
Several products?
Sum demand × time per unit across products into one required figure. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real supply chain decision.
Over capacity?
Add shifts, resources, outsource, or move demand. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real supply chain decision.
How do I use the Capacity Planning Calculator?
Enter the required values for Forecast demand, Time per unit, Resources (machines or people), Available hours per resource in the period, Planned utilisation (your target). The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.
What formula does the Capacity Planning Calculator use?
Required = demand × time per unit. Available = resources × hours × utilisation. Balance = available − required. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.
Can the Capacity Planning Calculator be used for exact decisions?
Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.
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