Tool
Enter step yields
Core formula: RTY = step 1 yield x step 2 yield x ... x step n yield
Use one row per process step in the format: `Step name, first-pass yield percent`.
Calculator Library / Yield
Rolled Throughput Yield Calculator
Calculate the compounded yield across multiple process steps so teams can see the true probability of a unit making it through the entire chain without defect or rework.
Step View
Cumulative yield by process step
| Step | Step Yield | Cumulative Yield | Expected Good Units |
|---|
Instructions
How to use this app
- Enter the number of units entering the process.
- List each major step with the first-pass yield percentage.
- Click Calculate RTY to compound the yields across the full chain.
- Use the step table to see where cumulative fallout accelerates.
- Pair the result with root-cause work rather than relying on final inspection alone.
What This RTY Calculator Helps You Decide
Rolled throughput yield helps quality and operations teams see the real probability that one unit flows through every step without defect, repair, or scrap. It is stronger than looking at isolated step yields because it shows the compounded effect of small losses across the chain.
Use it for production reviews, Kaizen work, COPQ discussions, and any process where local success hides a larger cumulative loss.
Core Formula
| Measure | Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Step yield | Good units out / units in | Yield for one process step. |
| RTY | Product of all step yields | True end-to-end first-pass success probability. |
| Expected good units | Starting units x RTY | Approximate output after compounding yield losses. |
Worked Example
If five process steps run at 98%, 96%, 94%, 97%, and 99%, the average local yield looks acceptable. But the compounded RTY is only about 84.84%. That means a line that seems healthy at each station is still losing more than 15% of units before completion.
How to Interpret the Results
- High RTY: the process preserves value well across the full chain.
- Low RTY with decent local yields: small losses are compounding into a significant total problem.
- Weakest step: good first target for investigation, but do not ignore smaller losses elsewhere.
- Large fallout gap: likely hidden COPQ in rework, inspection, delay, and schedule pressure.
Rolled Throughput Yield Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between final yield and RTY?
Final yield can hide rework and recovery. RTY focuses on getting through every step right the first time.
Why can RTY be much lower than individual step yields suggest?
Because even modest losses compound when they happen across several process steps.
Should RTY be used only in manufacturing?
No. It also applies to administrative and service processes where defects or rework happen across multiple handoffs.
What is the most common RTY mistake?
Using recovered or reworked output as if it were first-pass yield and overstating the process performance.
How often should RTY be reviewed?
Review it whenever major process steps, defect rates, or product mix change, and during regular operating reviews for critical lines.
Related Templates and Guides
Download the Six Sigma Calculator Suite
Use the workbook when RTY work needs to connect to DPMO, sigma, and capability analysis.
Read the DMAIC Guide
Use the guide when RTY findings need to convert into a structured improvement project.