Scrap and yield calculator
Work out how much of what goes in comes out as good product using your own figures. Check the assumptions before you act on the result.
Your figures
Result
- Yield percent
- 86.11%
- Scrap percent
- 13.89%
How it is worked out
yield % = good output ÷ input x 100; scrap % = 100 - yield % (by weight or by count, chosen by the user)
yield_percent = good_output/material_input*100scrap_percent = 100-yield_percent
What it works out
The scrap and yield calculator turns records from the business into a figure for this decision: how much of what goes in comes out as good product. Use it when the responsible production supervisor needs a consistent answer for this specific task. The answer uses only the values entered. Record the measurement period beside it.
What you need
| Input | Unit | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Good output (example: 9,300) | units | Read good output from the job card, shift report, machine log or maintenance register. |
| Material input (example: 10,800) | units | Check the stock ledger, stock count, approved BOM or last receipt for material input. |
Use the same item, period and measurement unit for related inputs. If a figure comes from an estimate rather than an actual record, mark it as estimated. Keep your original figures beside the result.
The formula
In plain words, calculate scrap percent using the measured inputs below. The expressions are shown without hidden rounding so they can be checked by hand.
- yield percent:
yield_percent = good_output/material_input*100. - scrap percent:
scrap_percent = 100-yield_percent.
Formula basis from the supplied taxonomy: yield % = good output ÷ input x 100; scrap % = 100 - yield % (by weight or by count, chosen by the user). The calculation assumes the named inputs describe the same job and accounting period. Keep quantities, rates and measured units consistent.
A worked example
Illustrative example: a plastics moulding unit uses the figures in the table above. These are example inputs, not industry averages. For this example, the main figures are good output: 9,300, material input: 10,800.
- Yield percent:
good_output/material_input*100. With the example figures,9300.0 / 10800.0 * 100gives 86.11 %. - Scrap percent:
100-yield_percent. With the example figures,100 - 86.11111gives 13.89 %.
How to act: Use the result to check it against committed machine time. Write down the input date and the assumption that could move most.
How to read the result
Example bands, change them for your business:
- Comfortable: Your result meets the target for this item or reporting period. Keep the calculation with its source records and check it against committed machine time.
- Watch: The result is close to your action limit, or it changed since the previous calculation. Recheck good output and material input using the original records.
- Act: The result breaks a limit already agreed by the manager or owner. Record the difference, name a responsible person, and agree a correction date. For an operational starting point, read [Production delays](/problems/production-delays) and [Production plan to output](/processes/production-plan-to-output). Do not use these example bands as published industry benchmarks.
Copy it into a spreadsheet
Create a sheet with column A for the label and column B for the number or formula. The expressions work in Excel or Google Sheets. Keep input cells editable and result cells protected from typing.
| Cell | Label | Value or formula |
|---|---|---|
| B2 | good output | 9300.000000 |
| B3 | material input | 10800.000000 |
| B5 | yield percent | =((B2/B3)*100) |
| B6 | scrap percent | =(100-B5) |
For any formula containing a divisor, enter a value above zero. For any monetary output, format the cell in Indian rupees. Do not replace the cells with rounded figures until the final display.
What this calculator leaves out
- A machine may be free in the plan while the operator, tool or drawing is unavailable.
- Count or weight may be used, but do not mix them. Reworked material may need separate tracking.
- The formula does not check whether the records are complete. Take cycle times from recent job cards, not machine brochures. Count setup, changeovers, breakdowns and operator breaks separately.
Common mistakes
- Mixing periods. Using good output from one month with material input from another produces a number that looks precise but is hard to act on.
- Trusting old figures. Recheck the relevant source record before reusing last month's saved inputs. Compare the result with the actual shift report for at least several runs before setting a promise date.
- Treating an estimate as approval. Record which assumptions were entered by hand. Get the relevant owner, accountant or technician to check unusual values.
A number like this helps only if someone works it out again when things change.
Questions people ask
Where do I find the numbers for scrap and yield calculator?
Read good output from the job card, shift report, machine log or maintenance register. Check the stock ledger, stock count, approved BOM or last receipt for material input. Keep all inputs from the same period.
Can I use this number to approve a purchase or payment?
Use it as a first check. Use the result to check it against committed machine time. Write down the input date and the assumption that could move most. If the result affects tax, legal duties, workplace safety or a major investment, obtain the appropriate review.
When should I calculate it again?
Recalculate when a meaningful input changes, and at the next regular review of the relevant register. Save the date and the input values so changes can be explained.