Calculate RPM, feed rate, and chip load for milling, drilling, and turning. Input material, tool diameter, and flutes. Covers aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium, and more. Includes AI-powered recommendations.
Last updated April 2026
RPM = (SFM x 12) / (pi x tool diameter in inches). SFM (surface feet per minute) depends on the material being cut and the tool material.
Chip load is the thickness of material removed by each cutting edge per revolution. It equals feed rate divided by (RPM x number of flutes). Typical chip loads for aluminum are 0.003 to 0.008 inches per tooth.
For 6061 aluminum with a coated carbide end mill, typical SFM is 800 to 1500. A 1/2 inch end mill at 1000 SFM runs at approximately 7,640 RPM.