Quick answer
How do I calculate manpower for a sewing line?
Operators = target × SMV ÷ (working minutes × efficiency).
Operators = Target × SMV ÷ (Hours × 60 × Efficiency%)
How it works
Manpower Calculator
How many people do you need to hit the target? Includes absenteeism and helper ratio.
Required standard minutes divided by productive minutes per operator gives the operator count, adjusted for expected absence.
Formula
The formula, in full
- Operators
- Target × SMV ÷ (Hours × 60 × Efficiency%)
- With absenteeism
- Operators ÷ (1 − Absenteeism%)
- Helpers
- Operators × Helper ratio
Example
1,200 pcs/day
- 01Operators = 91.67 → 92
- 02With 6% absent = 98
- 03Helpers = 20 → total 118
Use “Load Example” above to run this example in the calculator.
Industry tip
Industry tip
“Keep a trained multi-skilled pool of 5–8% to cover absenteeism without breaking line balance.”
Assumptions
What this calculator assumes
- Results are rounded up to whole people.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate manpower for a sewing line?
Operators = target × SMV ÷ (working minutes × efficiency).
Formula and worked example checked by the TextileSuite team on 17 October 2026. Results are planning estimates — confirm critical numbers against your own samples and lab reports.