DPMO & Sigma Level.
Convert between DPMO (defects per million opportunities), yield percentage, and process sigma level. Six Sigma benchmark calculator with the standard 1.5σ shift convention.
Number of inspection points / characteristics per unit
Defects across all units inspected
DPMO
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Defects per Million Opportunities
SIGMA LEVEL
—
With 1.5σ shift
Yield (RTY)
—
Process yield %
DPU
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Defects per unit
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DPMO = (Defects / (Units × Opps)) × 1,000,000
Yield = (1 − Defects/(Units×Opps)) × 100%
σ = NORMSINV(1 − DPMO/1,000,000) + 1.5
Yield = (1 − Defects/(Units×Opps)) × 100%
σ = NORMSINV(1 − DPMO/1,000,000) + 1.5
Sigma level reference (with 1.5σ shift)
| Sigma Level | DPMO | Yield | Cpk | Quality classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6σ | 3.4 | 99.99966% | 2.0 | World class — aerospace, medical implants |
| 5σ | 233 | 99.977% | 1.67 | Excellent — top automotive, surgical devices |
| 4σ | 6,210 | 99.38% | 1.33 | Good — typical IATF 16949 supplier |
| 3.5σ | 22,750 | 97.7% | 1.17 | Acceptable |
| 3σ | 66,810 | 93.32% | 1.0 | Industry average — most Indian SMEs |
| 2.5σ | 158,655 | 84.13% | 0.83 | Below average |
| 2σ | 308,538 | 69.15% | 0.67 | Poor — cannot meet customer expectations |
| 1σ | 691,462 | 30.85% | 0.33 | Critical — process not in control |