Quick answer
How many machines do I need for a garment line?
Machines per type = hourly target × SMV for that type ÷ (60 × efficiency).
Hourly target = Daily target ÷ Hours
How it works
Machine Requirement Calculator
Split the garment SMV by machine type to plan exactly how many machines each line needs.
Each machine type must deliver its share of the garment's minutes every hour.
Formula
The formula, in full
- Hourly target
- Daily target ÷ Hours
- Machines (type)
- Hourly target × SMV(type) ÷ (60 × Efficiency%)
- Spare
- Working machines × Spare%
Example
Polo shirt line
- 01Hourly target = 150
- 02SNLS = 150 × 6.5 ÷ 39 = 25
- 03OL 17 · FL 12 · Special 5 → 59 + 3 spare = 62
Use “Load Example” above to run this example in the calculator.
Industry tip
Industry tip
“Round up per type, never in total — a shortage of one overlock stops the whole line.”
Assumptions
What this calculator assumes
- Each machine type runs at the same efficiency.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many machines do I need for a garment line?
Machines per type = hourly target × SMV for that type ÷ (60 × efficiency).