The Film Yield Calculator helps packaging engineers, converters, and purchasing managers calculate how much area a specific weight of film will cover. It tells you the area per unit weight, which is important for cost estimates, raw material planning, and pricing film rolls. Understanding yield helps avoid waste and keeps packaging production efficient and predictable. This tool belongs to the Flexible Packaging Production and Cost Calculator category and is commonly used in film extrusion, lamination, and printing processes.
formula of Film Yield Calculator
A more practical version, commonly used for flexible packaging film:
Film Yield = 1 / (Thickness × Density)
Where:
- Film Yield = area per unit weight (e.g., square meters per kilogram or square inches per pound)
- Thickness = film thickness (in consistent units like microns, mils, or inches)
- Density = material density (e.g., g/cm³ for metric, lb/in³ for imperial)
This formula assumes consistent film thickness and uniform material density.
Common Film Yield Reference Table
This table shows typical yields for common plastic film types. It helps compare materials and choose the right one for a specific packaging need.
| Film Type | Density (g/cm³) | Thickness (micron) | Yield (m²/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (LDPE) | 0.92 | 25 | ~43.5 |
| Polypropylene (BOPP) | 0.91 | 20 | ~55.0 |
| Polyester (PET) | 1.40 | 12 | ~59.5 |
| Nylon (PA) | 1.14 | 15 | ~58.4 |
Actual yield can vary slightly with production conditions. Always verify with the supplier’s technical datasheet.
Example of Film Yield Calculator
Let’s calculate a film yield step by step.
Suppose you have a BOPP film that is 20 microns thick. BOPP density is about 0.91 g/cm³.
- Convert thickness to cm:
20 microns = 0.002 cm - Use the formula:
Yield = 1 / (Thickness × Density)
= 1 / (0.002 × 0.91)
= 1 / 0.00182
≈ 549.45 cm²/g
Convert to m²/kg:
549.45 cm²/g × 10 = 54.945 m²/kg
So, this BOPP film yields about 54.95 square meters per kilogram.
Most Common FAQs
Yield tells you how much packaging area you get for each unit of film weight. It affects cost per package, raw material usage, and order quantities.
Yes, slight changes in thickness or material density affect yield. Production tolerances and layering can change final yield too.
Using thinner film with the same strength or switching to a lower-density material can increase yield. Always test performance to ensure packaging integrity.