
Using our safety stock formula, the calculation is: (150 x 20) - (100 x 10) = 2,000. This means you should have an additional 2,000 pieces of mugs as buffer stock at all times. Our safety stock calculator is available as a downloadable template, so you don’t have to do all the calculations yourself.
Full Answer
How to calculate safety stock?
Safety Stock = Z * sqrt {(Average Lead Time * (Standard Deviation in Demand) ² + (Average Sale * Lead Time Standard Deviation) ²} This formula takes into account variations in demand and supply. Step by Step Calculation Example
When do you need to increase safety stock?
On the other hand, if your supply fluctuates dramatically you will require more safety stock to cover these longer lead time periods. This method is most effective for scenarios where there is a high degree of uncertainty about both demand and lead time.
How long does safety stock have to cover?
Eight days is also how long safety stock will have to cover until new product arrives. To calculate the demand average, begin by determining the time frame you want to account for. The time it takes between reorders is usually a good time frame.
Is 100% safe stock a safe option?
As we have seen, a service level of 100% would mean having infinite stock and is not a financially viable or safe option. How to Choose the Right Formula for Your Safety Stock? Before you choose the right formula for your safety stock you must first consider the quality and quantity of your data.

How to calculate safety stock?
This short version of a safety stock formula takes the number of products sold per day and multiplies it by the number of days' worth of safety stock necessary. So, a company selling 200 items per day that wants seven days' worth of safety stock would multiply 200 by seven, meaning it needs a safety stock of 1,400 units. This formula doesn't take variables such as demand and lead time into account, so it's best for ballpark figures.
What is the formula for safety stock?
This safety stock formula is helpful when dealing with multiple uncertain variables. It is expressed as Z × σLT × D avg.
What Is Safety Stock?
Safety stock acts as a buffer amount that accounts for uncertainties such as:
How Can Safety Stock Improve Inventory Management?
Effective inventory management relies on the cushion that safety stock provides. Tracking current stock levels accurately while considering present and future market conditions and accounting for supply lead times is just the start of effective inventory control.
How does safety stock affect supply chain?
Safety stock mitigates the impact of supplier interruptions and lead time uncertainty and keeps the supply chain moving until the disruption passes or the company has found a new supplier.
What happens if you have a lack of inventory?
A lack of inventory can result in lost revenues, but that isn't the only cost that businesses incur. Increased administrative and warehouse payroll costs are also likely, as is the risk of suppliers charging a premium for rushed delivery. These costs may not be a big problem if the stockout results from higher demand expected to continue. However, for stockouts caused by disruptions or other issues, the cost may not be recouped quickly, if at all.
What is the effect of stockouts on the supply chain?
Revenue lost from stockouts is often coupled with the loss of customers who find the items elsewhere and often never return to the business. Stockouts also reduce the supply chain's overall efficiency.
