Business

Safety Stock Calculator

Buffer stock and reorder point.

Enter your values

ⓘ Live results

Results
Safety stock
139
Reorder point
1,219
Lead time demand
1,080
Days of cover
1.2

Quick answer

Safety stock buffers demand and lead-time variability to hit your target service level.

Safety stock = Z × SD × √lead time

How to use the Safety Stock Calculator

  1. 1Enter average daily demand and its standard deviation.
  2. 2Enter supplier lead time.
  3. 3Choose the service level you need.

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with:

Inputs

  • Average daily demand120
  • Demand std deviation28
  • Lead time9 days
  • Service level95%

Results

  • Safety stock139
  • Reorder point1,219
  • Lead time demand1,080
  • Days of cover1.2

Frequently asked questions

Why not just hold more stock?

Every extra unit ties up cash and risks obsolescence.

What service level should I use?

95% for most items, 99% for critical lines.

About this calculator

Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.