How it works
Total handling minutes are compared with available time per worker and a target occupancy rate. This form solves for average handling time; enter the known quantities in FTE equivalent, Period workload volume, Period hours per worker, Target occupancy.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| FTE equivalent | 2 | Formula symbol: fte. Enter a numeric value. Must be greater than zero. |
| Period workload volume | 1,000 | Formula symbol: volume. Enter a numeric value. Must be greater than zero. |
| Period hours per worker | 40 h | Formula symbol: hours. Required unit: h. Must be greater than zero. |
| Target occupancy | 62.5 % | Formula symbol: occupancy. Enter the percentage as a number: for 15%, enter 15. Must be greater than zero. Allowed range: 0.001–100. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- FTE equivalent
- 2
- Period workload volume
- 1,000
- Period hours per worker
- 40 h
- Target occupancy
- 62.5 %
Complete example results
- Average handling time
- 3 min
Reading the result
The result solves for average handling time from the entered quantities. Check the result unit and the formula conditions before using it.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
When can I use the average handling time result?
The result is a continuous FTE equivalent, not a headcount. Shift coverage, breaks, simultaneous queues and service-time targets need separate planning. The source defines FTE normalisation by working hours; user occupancy sets effective capacity per worker in this model.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: bea.gov