QM Bench

Cpk

process capability index

Cpk = min(USL − μ, μ − LSL) / (3 · σ_within)

Cpk measures how many three-sigma widths fit between the process mean and the nearest specification limit, using the short-term (within-subgroup) sigma. It accounts for both spread and centring.

Common requirements are Cpk ≥ 1.33 for running processes and 1.67 for new or critical ones. Cpk 1.33 corresponds to about 66 defective parts per million for a centred normal process.

Calculate it

Process Capability & Control Charts: Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk, PPM and confidence intervals with X-bar/R, X-bar/S or I-MR charts and all 8 Nelson rules.

Related terms

  • Cp: potential process capability
  • Ppk: process performance index
  • PPM: parts per million defective