Takt time is the pace of production that matches customer demand. It tells you how often you must complete one unit to keep up, and it sets the target your cycle time must beat.
The Takt Time formula
Takt Time = Available Production Time / Customer Demand
Step by step
- Find available production time. Take the working time in the period and subtract planned breaks and meetings, to get net available time.
- Find customer demand. Take the number of units the customer needs in the same period.
- Divide. Takt Time = Available Production Time / Customer Demand, usually expressed in seconds per unit.
- Compare with cycle time. Your actual cycle time must be at or below takt to meet demand. If cycle time exceeds takt, you have a capacity gap.
A worked example
A shift has 460 minutes of available time (27,600 seconds) after breaks, and the customer needs 920 units:
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Available time | 460 min | 27,600 s |
| Demand | - | 920 units |
| Takt time | 27,600 / 920 | 30 s/unit |
Our free Takt Time Calculator does this live, with the benchmark overlay.
Common mistakes
- Using gross shift time instead of net available time.
- Confusing takt time (demand pace) with cycle time (actual pace).
- Forgetting to recalculate takt when demand changes.
Takt Time FAQ
What is the difference between takt time and cycle time?
Takt time is the required pace set by demand. Cycle time is how fast you actually produce. Cycle time must be at or below takt to keep up.
Should takt include breaks?
No. Use net available time after planned breaks, so the pace is achievable in real working time.
What if cycle time is above takt?
You cannot meet demand at current capacity. Reduce cycle time, add capacity, or extend available time.
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