{
    "name": "Marker Efficiency Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/fabric-cutting-marker-efficiency-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/fabric-cutting-marker-efficiency-calculator.md",
    "category": "Textile & apparel",
    "description": "Calculate cutting marker efficiency as pattern area ÷ marker area, with the waste percentage and fabric length per garment in the marker.",
    "summary": "Marker efficiency is the share of the marker’s area (length × width) covered by pattern pieces. The rest is cutting waste between and around the pieces.",
    "also_called": [
        "Fabric utilisation calculator",
        "Marker utilization calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "pattern_area",
            "label": "Total pattern area in the marker",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "8.1",
            "unit": "m²"
        },
        {
            "name": "marker_length",
            "label": "Marker length",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "6",
            "unit": "m"
        },
        {
            "name": "marker_width",
            "label": "Marker width",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "160",
            "unit": "cm"
        },
        {
            "name": "garments",
            "label": "Garments in the marker",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "4",
            "optional": true
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "efficiency",
            "label": "Marker efficiency",
            "format": "percent"
        },
        {
            "key": "waste_pct",
            "label": "Cutting waste",
            "format": "percent"
        },
        {
            "key": "marker_area",
            "label": "Marker area",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "waste_area",
            "label": "Waste area",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "length_per_garment",
            "label": "Marker length per garment",
            "format": "number"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Efficiency % = Pattern area ÷ (Marker length × Marker width) × 100;  Waste % = 100 − Efficiency %",
        "variables": {
            "Pattern area": "sum of all pattern pieces in the marker",
            "Marker width": "usable fabric width the marker is made for"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "pattern_area": "8.1",
            "marker_length": "6",
            "marker_width": "160",
            "garments": "4"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Marker area = 6 m × 1.60 m = 9.6 m².",
            "Efficiency = 8.1 ÷ 9.6 = 84.375%; waste = 15.625%.",
            "Length per garment = 6 ÷ 4 = 1.5 m."
        ],
        "result": "The marker uses 84.4% of the fabric, wasting 1.5 m² (15.6%), and needs 1.5 m of fabric per garment."
    },
    "interpretation": "Efficiency rises with more garments and mixed sizes in one marker. Compare markers for the same style and fabric width; efficiencies for different styles are not directly comparable.",
    "assumptions": [
        "The marker width equals the usable fabric width."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "End losses at the lay ends and splicing overlaps are outside the marker and are not included."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "What is a good marker efficiency?",
            "answer": "It depends on the style: simple shapes nest better than garments with many curved pieces. Track it for each style and fabric to spot markers that can be improved."
        },
        {
            "question": "Does higher efficiency always save money?",
            "answer": "Usually, but very long mixed-size markers can make the lay and cut slower; weigh fabric saved against cutting time."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Fabric Consumption per Garment Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/fabric-consumption-per-garment-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Apparel Order Quantity Breakdown Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/apparel-order-quantity-breakdown-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Garment Costing Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/garment-costing-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Fabric Wastage Percentage Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/fabric-wastage-percentage-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": null,
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}