Takt Time Formula
How to calculate takt time and use it to balance your production line.
The Takt Time Formula
Takt Time = Available Production Time ÷ Customer Demand
Available Time = Shift Duration − Breaks − Planned Downtime
Customer Demand = Units required per shift (from production plan)
Example
8-hour shift, 30 min breaks, 450 min available. Customer demand: 200 units/shift.
Takt Time = (450 × 60) ÷ 200 = 135 seconds per unit
This means one unit must be completed every 135 seconds to meet demand. Any workstation taking longer than 135 seconds is a bottleneck.
Takt Time vs Cycle Time
| Term | Definition | Set By |
|---|---|---|
| Takt Time | Required production rate | Customer demand |
| Cycle Time | Actual production rate | Machine / process capability |
If Cycle Time > Takt Time → you will fall behind demand. If Cycle Time << Takt Time → you are overproducing (creating inventory waste in lean terms).