Calculate MRR (material removal rate) for milling operations. Enter axial depth of cut, radial width of cut, and feed rate to get volume removed per minute in both imperial and metric units.
Last updated April 2026
Material removal rate (MRR) for milling equals axial depth of cut times radial width of cut times feed rate: MRR = DOC x WOC x Feed (IPM). The result is in cubic inches per minute. For metric, use mm values to get cubic centimeters per minute. MRR helps compare toolpath strategies and estimate cycle times for quoting.
On a CAT40 VMC with a 3-flute 1/2" endmill, a realistic MRR for 6061 aluminum is 10-20 cubic inches per minute. High-performance setups with rigid CAT50 machines, specialized tooling, and proper coolant can reach 40-60+ in3/min. MRR depends on machine rigidity, spindle power, tool geometry, and workholding stability.