# Machine Utilization Calculator

> Find machine utilisation as run hours divided by available hours, for one machine or a group, with idle hours for the period.

Category: Manufacturing & packaging · Applies to: Worldwide · Last updated: 2026-10-29
Interactive calculator: https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/machine-utilization-calculator

Utilisation is the share of available time a machine actually ran. You decide what counts as available: all calendar hours, or only the shifts you staff.

Also called: Machine utilisation calculator, Equipment utilization calculator.

## Inputs
- Run hours in the period (all machines) (unit h; default 78)
- Available hours per day (unit h; default 16)
- Days in the period (default 6)
- Number of machines (default 1)

## Results
- Utilisation
- Available hours
- Idle hours

## Formula

```
Available = Hours per day × Days × Machines;  Utilisation = Run hours ÷ Available × 100
```

Where:
- Run hours: time the machines were actually running

## Worked example
1. Available = 16 h × 6 days × 1 = 96 h.
2. Utilisation = 78 ÷ 96 = 81.25%.
3. Idle = 96 − 78 = 18 h.

**Result:** The machine ran 78 of 96 available hours, a utilisation of 81.25%.

## What the result means

Low utilisation can mean spare capacity or lost time; check the idle hours against changeovers, breakdowns and lack of orders. Always state which availability basis you used.

## Assumptions and limits
- Available hours per day are the same every day.
- Utilisation ignores running speed and quality; use OEE for those.

## Questions

### Should I use 24 hours or shift hours?

24-hour calendar time shows total capacity; staffed shift hours show how well scheduled time is used. Both are valid if you say which.

### Can utilisation be over 100%?

Not against calendar time. Against planned shifts it can, if you ran overtime; increase the available hours instead.

## Related calculators
- [Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/oee-calculator)
- [Production Cycle Time Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/production-cycle-time-calculator)
- [Percentage Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/percentage-calculator)

Source: GM¹X CalcVerse — https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/machine-utilization-calculator