Weighing, Dosing & Loss-in-Weight Feeding worked example
Ingredient Variance Cost at 58% share of variance actually captured on scale: a worked example
This worked example runs the ingredient variance cost numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 58% share of variance actually captured on scale instead of the typical 80%. Ingredient Variance Cost puts a dollar figure on the give-away and rework that happens when a loss-in-weight feeder drifts off its setpoint.
The inputs for this scenario
- Batches run through the feeder: 100 units (held at the documented default)
- Ingredient give-away cost per batch: 45 $ / unit (held at the documented default)
- Share of variance actually captured on scale: 58 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 80)
- Fixed metering and cleanup cost: 250 $ (held at the documented default)
Working through the calculation
- The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Ingredient Variance Cost cost = quantity × rate × capture factor + fixed cost.
- Weighted cost works out to 2,860 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
- Per piece value works out to 28.6 $ / piece at these inputs.
- Captured value works out to 2,610 $ at these inputs.
- Fixed adjustment works out to 250 $ at these inputs.
How this compares with the baseline
- Against the tool's baseline example, where share of variance actually captured on scale sits at 80% and the headline result is 3,850 $, this scenario comes in 25.71% below the baseline at 2,860 $.
- Use it when justifying a feeder upgrade, setting an ingredient give-away target, or costing the impact of scale drift before recalibration. 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
- Weighted cost: 2,860 $ (headline result)
- Per piece value: 28.6 $ / piece
- Captured value: 2,610 $
- Fixed adjustment: 250 $
Run it with your numbers
- To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Ingredient Variance Cost calculator, set share of variance actually captured on scale to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12.