Process Capability Index, Cpk

Description:

Cpk is a short term process index that numerically describes the "within subgroup" or "potential"
capability (Ppk is long term indicator) of a process assuming it was analyzed and stays in control.

It is an option (along with Z-score and PPM) when describing process baseline measurement in
the MEASURE phase or in the CONTROL phase when obtaining the final performance analysis.

As with all the process capability indices, the process should be in control before assessing
capability.

Use time-series and SPC charts to determine process control. If the process is out of control (i.e.
still rising with upward trend), then assessing the current process is not likely to reflect the long
term performance.

The Cp is the best a process can perform if that process is centered on the midpoint and the Cp =
Cpk.

The addition of "k" quantifies the amount of which a distribution is centered. A perfectly centered
process where the mean is the same as the midpoint will have a "k" value of 0.

The minimum value of "k" is 0 and the maximum is 1.0.

Both Cpk and Ppk relate the standard deviation and centering of the process about the midpoint to
the allowable tolerance specifications.

An estimate for Cpk = Cp(1-k).

and since the maximum value for k is 1.0, then the value for Cpk is always equal to or less than
Cp.

Cpk will never exceed the Cp.

Similar to Ppk, the Cpk capability index is only a function of the standard deviation and mean of
the data, not a nominal (target) value that may be historical or provided by the customer.
The Cpm capability calculation accounts for a nominal value.

Cpk also requires input from the customer for the lower specification limit (LSL) and upper
specification limit (USL).

There are two calculations from the formula providing two values for Cpk. Select the MINIMUM
value as the Cpk and to serve as the baseline value. This minimum value must be equal to or
greater than the minimum acceptability level.

Unlike Cp (and Pp), the Cpk (and Ppk) index can be calculated using unilateral or bilateral
tolerances. If only one specification is provided (unilateral) the use the value that involves that
specification limit.
There will not be a minimum (or maximum), just calculate using the formula that has a
specification and use it for the Cpk value.

The standard Cpk level is 2.0 for a process in six sigma quality control . The acceptability levels for
Cpk depends on your customer.

Read more about the process capability indices, their meanings, and relationships.

Converting from Cpk to a Z-score

With a normally distributed set of data an approximation of Z from Cpk and vice versa can be made in
substituting and solving within these two formulas.

What is the Cpk approximated from a 6 sigma performance?

Substituting the Z formula in Cpk (USL) and plugging in 6 for Z from the given data gives:

A Cpk of 2 corresponds to approximately 6 sigma (short term) performance or 4.5 sigma

(long term) if applying the shift.

The Z in the above formula refers to a short term sigma, short term Z.

Click here to learn more about z-scores.

Relationship of Capability Indices

Capability Study Module - Download
This module provides lessons with statistical capability studies. Understanding the basic meaning
and applications for capability studies is necessary for any level of a Six Sigma Project Manager.

Click here to purchase 'Capability Study' and view others that are available.

Sigma / DPMO / Cpk Conversion Table