How do I calculate milling material removal rate?

With dimensions in millimetres, Q = ap × ae × Vf / 1000 gives material removal rate in cm³/min.

How is theoretical motor power estimated?

Net power uses removal rate Q and specific cutting force kc. Theoretical motor power is then Pc divided by machine efficiency.

Machining calculator · Productivity and theoretical power

Material removal rate and cutting power

Calculate material removal rate Q, net cutting power and theoretical motor power for milling, turning or drilling.

Created Jul 20, 2026v1.0

By Thibaut Grzelak, Mechanical Analysis Engineer

● Machining

Calculation inputs

Operation

Unit system

Axial depth apmmRadial width aemmTable feed Vfmm/minSpecific cutting force kcN/mm²Example value: use data for the work material and tool.Machine efficiency η%

Results up to date.

Diagram

Q = ap · ae · Vf / 1000

Principle

In milling, removal rate is the product of cut cross-section and table feed.

Results

Material removal rate Q

19.2cm³/min

Theoretical volume removed per minute.

Net cutting power Pc

0.58kW

Theoretical mechanical power at the cut.

Theoretical motor power

0.72kW

Net power adjusted by entered efficiency.

Verification required

kc varies with material, chip thickness, geometry and wear. Check manufacturer data and the machine power curve.

∑View calculation detailsRemoval rate, net power and efficiencyOpen ↓

Removal rate

Q = 2 × 12 × 800 / 1000 = 19.2 cm³/min

Power

Pc = Q × kc / 60000

ⓘ Theoretical estimate: no transient overload, available spindle torque or chip-thickness correction.

Formulas by operation

How is Q calculated?

Milling: Q = ap · ae · Vf / 1000
Turning: Q = Vc · ap · fn
Drilling: Q = π · D² · Vf / 4000

Material input

Why enter kc?

Specific cutting force is not universal. It depends on material group and cutting conditions. The prefilled value is only a numerical example.

Manufacturer references