Business

Safety Stock Calculator

Buffer stock and reorder point.

Enter your values

Enter the average daily demand you are working with.

Enter the demand std deviation you are working with.

Enter the lead time in days.

Choose one of: 90%, 95%, 99%.

Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.

Results
Safety stock
139
Reorder point
1,219
Lead time demand
1,080
Days of cover
1.2

Quick answer

Safety stock buffers demand and lead-time variability to hit your target service level.

Safety stock = Z × SD × √lead time

At a glance

What it doesBuffer stock and reorder point.
CategoryBusiness
Inputs neededAverage daily demand, Demand std deviation, Lead time, Service level
Main outputSafety stock
FormulaSafety stock = Z × SD × √lead time
CostFree — no sign-up, no download

How to use the Safety Stock Calculator

  1. 1Enter average daily demand and its standard deviation.
  2. 2Enter supplier lead time.
  3. 3Choose the service level you need.

Inputs explained

Average daily demand
Enter the average daily demand you are working with.
Demand std deviation
Enter the demand std deviation you are working with.
Lead time(days)
Enter the lead time in days.
Service level
Choose one of: 90%, 95%, 99%.

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with:

Inputs

  • Average daily demand120
  • Demand std deviation28
  • Lead time9 days
  • Service level95%

Results

  • Safety stock139
  • Reorder point1,219
  • Lead time demand1,080
  • Days of cover1.2

Frequently asked questions

Why not just hold more stock?

Every extra unit ties up cash and risks obsolescence.

What service level should I use?

95% for most items, 99% for critical lines.

What do I need to enter into the Safety Stock Calculator?

Just 4 values: average daily demand, demand std deviation, lead time, service level. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.

How does the Safety Stock Calculator work out the answer?

Safety stock buffers demand and lead-time variability to hit your target service level. It applies the formula Safety stock = Z × SD × √lead time and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.

Is the Safety Stock Calculator free, and do I need an account?

It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.

Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.