Metals, Steel, Aluminum & Coil Processing worked example

Blanking Utilization at 61% target blanking utilization: a worked example

This worked example runs the blanking utilization numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 61% target blanking utilization instead of the typical 85%. Estimate blanking utilization by comparing the blank area used per sheet or strip against the total sheet area, then see the gap to your material utilization target.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Blank area used per sheet: 360 in² (held at the documented default)
  • Sheet or strip area: 480 in² (held at the documented default)
  • Target blanking utilization: 61 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 85)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Blanking utilization = blank area used per sheet ÷ sheet or strip area.
  • Blanking utilization works out to 75 % at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Utilization gap works out to -14 points at these inputs.
  • Blank area used per sheet works out to 360 value at these inputs.
  • Sheet or strip area works out to 480 value at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where target blanking utilization sits at 85% and the headline result is 75 %, this scenario lands almost exactly on the baseline at 75 %.
  • Use it when laying out a blank nest, evaluating sheet or coil width options, or quoting a part where material is the dominant cost. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Blanking utilization: 75 % (headline result)
  • Utilization gap: -14 points
  • Blank area used per sheet: 360 value
  • Sheet or strip area: 480 value

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Blanking Utilization calculator, set target blanking utilization to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.