SAFETY STOCK CALCULATOR

Safety Stock Lab

Model the inventory required to protect service under demand variability, lead-time variability, or both.

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01

Inputs

Choose the method matching the uncertainty you are modeling.

z = 1.6449
units/period
Used for days of cover and Method B/C.
units/period
periods
periods
USD / unit
Enables working-capital estimates.
02

Result

Deterministic answer with practical interpretation.

Your result will appear here.

Enter the assumptions, then calculate to see the answer, interpretation and next check.

Methodology, assumptions and limitations
SS = z × √(L × σd² + d̄² × σL²)

z is the cycle-service z-score; σd is demand standard deviation per period; L is mean lead time; σL is lead-time standard deviation.

Assumptions

  • Demand and lead-time units must use compatible periods.
  • Method C assumes demand and lead-time variability are independent.
  • The normal approximation may be weak for intermittent, skewed, or promotion-driven demand.
  • Cycle service level is not the same as fill rate.