Measure how long it actually takes your process to produce one unit, then compare against takt to spot bottlenecks and overproduction risks.
Enter your values on the left, then press Calculate.
Cycle time is the real, measured time to make one unit — including any small variations or stoppages. Compared to takt time, it tells you whether your process is keeping up with demand or overproducing.
If cycle time is shorter than takt, you are producing faster than demand requires — which builds inventory and ties up capital. Slow the process or reallocate operators to other value streams.
If cycle time is longer than takt, this step is the bottleneck — it can't keep up with demand. Reduce the cycle time (kaizen, SMED, automation) or add capacity at this station.