SPEEDS AND FEEDS CHEAT SHEET 

 
 
Correct speeds and feeds must be taken into consideration to achieve the best results
from cutting tools. Improper speeds and feeds often cause low production, poor quality,
and damage to the tool. Speeds that are too high or feeds that are too light can lead to
rapid wear and dulling of the cutter, reducing tool life. 
 
Speed is measured in peripheral feet per minute. It is referred to as cutting speed or
"Surface Feet per Minute" (SFM) which a given tooth (flute) on the cutter will be moving
when it cuts through the material. All materials have a documented SFM range. 
 
Feed rates are measured and stated in inches per minute (IPM). It takes into
consideration the number of cutting teeth (flutes), the feed amount per tooth, and the
revolutions per minute. Feed recommendation for drills are based on 2-flute drills. 
 
Different milling and drilling conditions make it impossible to develop a
rigid answer for every situation with feeds and speeds. The following information will get
us very close most of the time. 
 
It is good practice to check the Manufacture’s data for their specific tools.  
 
 
SFM = Surface feet per minute (cutter speed) = .262 x RPM x D 
 
RPM = Rev. per minute (cutter rotational) = (3.82 x SFM) / D 
 
IPM = Inches per minute (machine feedrate) = RPM x IPR 
 
IPT = Inches (feed) per tooth = IPM / (RPM x T) 
 
IPR = Inches (feed) per revolution = IPT x T 
 
MRR = Material removal rate (in cubic inches) = IPM X WOC X DOC 
 
D = Cutting tool diameter 
T = Number of cutter teeth 
DOC = Depth of cut (cutter length in material) 
WOC = Width of cut (radial cutter engagement) 
 
 
 
SFM and IPT data: 
Carbide end mills   http://niagaracutter.com/speedfeed 
High speed steel tools   http://littlemachineshop.com/reference/cuttingspeeds.php 
 
On-line calculator: 
http://www.custompartnet.com/calculator/milling-speed-and-feed