How do you calculate productivity?

Divide output by input (often hours or labor-hours). The result is productivity, which you can compare against targets.

What is a good productivity rate?

It varies by organization. Start with your historical average or published benchmarks, then refine using the productivity formula variant that matches your goal.

What if I include breaks?

Be consistent. If paid breaks count toward the hours you are measuring, include them. If not, subtract them so your productivity number matches expectations.

How to Calculate Productivity

Productivity compares what you produce to the resources it takes—usually output divided by time or labor-hours. Different industries tweak the formula, but this guide walks through the most common version and shows how to adapt it with clear examples.

The Core Productivity Formula

Productivity = Output ÷ Input (often hours). Example: If a team produced 120 units in 10 hours, productivity = 12 units/hour.

Productivity = Output ÷ Input

Step-by-Step (HowTo)

Define your output (units, visits, revenue).
Define your input (hours, labor-hours, cost).
Choose the right formula variant (units/hour, % vs target).
Plug in your numbers and compute.
Compare to your target and decide next actions.

Worked Examples

Scenario	Output	Input	Productivity
Individual (units/hour)	36 units	3 hours	12 units per hour
Team (labor-hours)	450 units	40 labor-hours (5 people × 8 hrs)	11.25 units per labor-hour
Percentage vs target	92 actual units	100 unit target	92% productivity

Need a deeper breakdown of targets? See the Productivity Percentage guide.

Try It: Free Productivity Calculator

Productivity (units per hour): —

Looking for percent comparisons? Use the Productivity Percentage walkthrough or the labor productivity calculator.

FAQs

How do you calculate productivity?
Divide your measurable output by the input it required—often hours or labor-hours. That ratio is productivity, and you can compare it to benchmarks or targets.
What is a good productivity rate?
It depends on your industry and targets. Start with historical performance or published benchmarks, then use the Productivity Formula reference to pick the variant that matches your goal.
What if I include breaks?
Stay consistent: if breaks count toward paid hours, include them in your input. If not, subtract them so you compare productive work to the right time base.