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EOQ Calculator, Economic Order Quantity

Find the optimal order quantity that minimises your total inventory cost. Used by supply chain managers across Pakistan & GCC to cut ordering and holding costs.

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📊 PKR-native calculations
🏭 SME-calibrated benchmarks
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Economic Order Quantity

EOQ Calculator

Enter your demand, ordering cost, and unit cost to find your optimal order quantity and annual cost savings vs your current practice.

Total units consumed per year
Admin, transport & receiving cost per PO
Typically 20–35% in Pakistan
What you currently order per PO
For reorder point calculation

📊 Your Results
Optimal EOQ
Units per order
Orders per Year
Optimal frequency
Annual Cost Saving
vs your current qty
Reorder Point
Trigger next order at

What is Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)?

Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is the optimal number of units a company should order at one time to minimise total inventory costs, the sum of ordering costs and holding costs. Ordering too little means placing orders too frequently (high ordering costs). Ordering too much ties up capital and increases storage costs. EOQ finds the exact balance point.

For SMEs in Pakistan and GCC, where storage costs run 20–35% of inventory value annually and emergency procurement premiums can reach 25–40%, getting your order quantity right is one of the highest-ROI supply chain improvements available.

The EOQ Formula

EOQ is calculated as: EOQ = √(2DS / H), where D = Annual Demand, S = Ordering Cost per order, H = Annual Holding Cost per unit. This calculator applies this formula and compares it to your current practice to show actual savings.

When to Use EOQ

EOQ works best for items with relatively stable demand, known ordering costs, and consistent holding costs, exactly the conditions most common in manufacturing, utilities, and FMCG distribution in Pakistan. For highly seasonal or lumpy demand items, pair EOQ with a Safety Stock calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical holding cost rate in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, inventory holding cost rates typically range from 20% to 35% of inventory value per year. This includes storage (rent, utilities), capital cost (opportunity cost of funds tied up), insurance, handling, obsolescence risk, and shrinkage. For most SMEs, 25% is a reasonable starting estimate.
How does EOQ reduce costs?
EOQ reduces total inventory cost by balancing two competing cost drivers. As order quantity increases, ordering frequency (and cost) decreases, but holding cost increases. EOQ finds the exact crossover point where the combined cost is minimised. Companies routinely see 10–30% cost reductions by switching to EOQ-based ordering.
Can I use this calculator for multiple SKUs?
Yes, run the calculator once per SKU. For large inventories (100+ SKUs), focus first on your A-class items (top 20% by value, typically representing 80% of spend). Safe Chain Solver can help implement EOQ across your full catalogue as part of an inventory optimisation engagement.
What is the Reorder Point and how is it related to EOQ?
The Reorder Point (ROP) is the inventory level at which you should place a new order, so it arrives before you run out. ROP = Average Daily Demand × Lead Time. When you use EOQ to determine how much to order, ROP tells you when to order. Use our Safety Stock Calculator to add a buffer to your ROP.
Formula Reference

The EOQ Formula Explained

Understanding the maths behind the calculator

Core Formula

Economic Order Quantity

Minimises total of ordering costs and holding costs combined.

EOQ = √(2DS / H)
D = Annual demand (units/year)
S = Ordering cost per purchase order
H = Annual holding cost per unit = Unit Cost × Holding Rate
Derived: Reorder Point

When to Place the Next Order

Use alongside EOQ to complete your ordering policy.

ROP = d × L
d = Average daily demand (units/day)
L = Supplier lead time (days)
Add Safety Stock for stockout protection
Total Cost Comparison

Validate Your Savings

Calculate total cost for any order quantity to confirm EOQ advantage.

TC = (D/Q)×S + (Q/2)×H
Q = Order quantity being tested
EOQ is the Q that minimises TC
Compare TC at current Q vs EOQ Q
Get Expert Help Applying EOQ →