CNC Feed Rate Calculator

Calculate optimal CNC feed rates and spindle speeds for any material and tool combination. Uses chip load formulas for wood, aluminium, acrylic, and more.

Material & Tool Presets

Cutting Parameters

Tool Diameter (mm)

Number of Flutes (Teeth)

Spindle Speed (RPM)

Chipload (mm/tooth)

Depth of Cut (mm)

Calculator Outputs

Feed Rate0.0 mm/min

Surface Speed0.0 m/min

Material Removal Rate (MRR)0.0 mm³/min

Adjusting tool diameter and flute count will automatically update chip load variables based on selected material recommendations.

How to Use

Select material

Choose the material you are cutting (wood, aluminium, acrylic, etc.).

Enter tool info

Enter the cutter diameter (mm or inch), number of flutes, and machine type.

Get recommended settings

Get the recommended spindle speed (RPM), feed rate (mm/min), and chip load.

Understanding CNC Feed Rate Calculation

The correct feed rate and spindle speed are critical for CNC machining. Too slow, and you rub the material rather than cutting it — generating heat and dulling your bit. Too fast, and you overload the tool, risking breakage and poor surface quality.

The fundamental formula is: Feed Rate = RPM × Flutes × Chip Load. This calculator provides recommended chip loads for common materials and calculates the resulting feed rate for your specific tool and spindle speed.

Real-World Examples & Use Cases

New Material Setup

Before cutting a new material for the first time, use this calculator to get starting parameters and avoid breaking bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chip load?▼

Chip load is the thickness of material removed by each tooth of a cutting tool per revolution. It is the fundamental parameter for calculating feed rate: Feed Rate = RPM × Number of Flutes × Chip Load.

What happens if feed rate is too low?▼

Too low a feed rate causes rubbing rather than cutting, which generates heat, dulls the bit faster, and can burn the material.

What happens if feed rate is too high?▼

Too high a feed rate overloads the bit and can cause it to break, or cause poor surface quality.

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