CNC Cycle Time Calculator

Formula

• t_machining = L_cut / F
• t_rapid = L_rapid / F_rapid
• t_toolchange = N_tools × 6 s / 60
• t_batch = (t_per_part × Q + t_setup) / 60 (hours)

About this calculator

Part of our Machining & CNC Calculators collection. Cutting speed, feeds, RPM, cycle time, and tap drill charts.

How it works

Machining time is cutting length divided by programmed feed rate. Rapid moves and tool changes add non-cutting time. Setup time applies per batch. Multiply per-part cycle time by quantity for total batch hours.

Enter your values in the inputs above and click CALCULATE. Results appear on the right without a page reload. No login and no server upload.

Worked example

800 mm cut at 300 mm/min, 400 mm rapids at 10,000 mm/min, 3 tool changes, 3 min setup, 50 parts.

1. Machining = 800 / 300 = 2.67 min
2. Rapid = 400 / 10,000 = 0.04 min
3. Tool change = 3 × 6 / 60 = 0.30 min
4. Per part (excl. setup) = 3.01 min → batch = (3.01 × 50 + 3) / 60 = 2.56 h

Result: 3.01 min machining + non-cutting per part; 2.56 hours total batch including one setup.

When to use

• Quoting CNC job run time for a batch
• Identifying whether rapids or tool changes dominate non-cutting time
• Planning production schedule capacity

Limitations

• 6 s per tool change is a default; adjust mentally for your machine
• Setup time applied once per batch, not per part
• Does not include probing, coolant, or operator delays

FAQ

What was fixed in the tool-change formula?

The old formula divided seconds by 1000 instead of 60, understating tool-change time by 60×. It now converts 6 s per change correctly to minutes.

Is setup time per part or per batch?

Setup/load-unload is once per batch. Per-part time excludes setup; batch hours adds setup once at the end.

Can I include dwell and chip-to-chip time?

Add extra seconds to rapid distance equivalent or increase setup time as a lump-sum allowance.