How to run a stopwatch time study
- Add each operation with its machine type and operator name.
- Press start on a cycle, stop when the operator finishes one piece, and repeat for 5–10 cycles.
- Review the average cycle time and hourly capacity for every operation.
- The slowest operation is highlighted as the bottleneck — that sets your line output.
Formulas used
Average cycle time = sum of valid cycles ÷ number of valid cycles
Hourly capacity = (3600 ÷ average cycle time) × (1 − allowance %)
The stopwatch uses a 10% personal, fatigue and delay allowance by default, a common starting point in garment factories.
Stopwatch study vs. video time study
A stopwatch study is fast and needs only a phone. For method improvement, a video study lets you break each operation into motions (PMTS, MTM-2, MOST) and find wasted movement — ProdEnhancer's AI video analysis does this automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stopwatch time study?
A stopwatch time study measures how long a trained operator takes to complete one operation over several cycles. The average cycle time, adjusted for allowances, becomes the standard time used for targets, capacity and line balancing.
How many cycles should I time?
For most sewing operations, time at least 5 to 10 cycles. Short, repetitive operations need more cycles; long operations with stable methods need fewer. Discard abnormal readings such as machine breakdowns.
How is hourly capacity calculated?
Hourly capacity = (3600 ÷ average cycle time in seconds) × (1 − allowance %). With a 30-second cycle and 10% allowance, capacity is 108 pieces per hour.
Do I need an account to use the stopwatch?
No. The stopwatch is free and works without signing in. You only need a free account to save the study to your history.