Scrap Rate

A quality-cost KPI. Lower is better. Material scrap weight variants use the same structure with weight UOMs.

Scrap % = scrap count ÷ total count × 100.

Tip: Keep “Scrap Units” and “Total Units” on the same basis (period, units, and population) before calculating Scrap Rate.

Cluster: Manufacturing hub · Logistics hub · Professional KPIs · Percentage guide

Scrap rate is the share of units scrapped (or wasted material) relative to total production.

Enter scrap units and total units for the same period.

Units (or weight) scrapped
Total produced

Scrap Rate

Understanding Scrap Rate

How we calculate. Scrap % = scrap count ÷ total count × 100. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.

Real-world scenario: A typical Scrap Rate case uses scrap units 8 and total units 800. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.

What is Scrap Rate?

A quality-cost KPI. Lower is better. Material scrap weight variants use the same structure with weight UOMs.

  • Same UOM for scrap and total
  • Define scrap vs rework
  • Lower is better

The Formula

Scrap Rate
Scrap % = (Scrap units ÷ Total units) × 100

Worked Example

Scenario: 8 scrap of 800 total units.
Step 1: 8 ÷ 800 = 0.01
Step 2: × 100 = 1%
Answer: Scrap rate is 1%.

Common Use Cases

  • Cost of poor quality: scrap trends
  • Process capability: waste hotspots
  • Material planning: yield loss

Pro Tips

  • Separate startup scrap
  • Track root causes
  • Pair with yield rate

Limitations: Scrap Rate results are educational manufacturing and lean/TPM planning aids—not process-safety, quality-system, or financial advice. Confirm definitions with your MES/SCADA and quality policies.

FAQ

Units or weight?

Either—keep both inputs on the same basis and label the report.

What if total units is 0?

Scrap rate is undefined—enter a positive total.

Authoritative References

For OEE and manufacturing KPI definitions, consult:

  • OEE.com — OEE definitions and examples
  • NIST MEP — manufacturing extension resources
  • ISO 22400 — manufacturing operations management KPIs (context)