Queueing System Analysis
Queueing theory is the mathematical study of waiting lines or queues. This calculator helps analyze different queueing models to understand system performance and optimize service operations.
Where:
- L = Average number of customers in the system
- λ = Arrival rate (customers per time unit)
- W = Average time a customer spends in the system
- μ = Service rate (customers per time unit)
- ρ = Server utilization factor
Queueing Model
Select the queueing model you want to analyze:
M/M/1 Queue
Single server queue with Poisson arrivals and exponential service times.
M/M/c Queue
Multiple server queue with Poisson arrivals and exponential service times.
M/G/1 Queue
Single server queue with Poisson arrivals and general service time distribution.
M/D/1 Queue
Single server queue with Poisson arrivals and deterministic (constant) service times.
Results
Utilization (ρ)
Server busy probability
Avg in Queue (Lₙ)
Customers waiting
Avg in System (L)
Total customers
Queue Time (Wₙ)
Time spent waiting
System Time (W)
Total time in system
P(0)
System empty probability
Probability Distribution
n | P(n) in System | P(≥n) in System |
---|
Interpretation Guide
Utilization (ρ) | System State | Recommendation |
---|---|---|
0% - 60% | Underutilized | Consider reducing capacity |
60% - 80% | Well-utilized | Good balance |
80% - 100% | Overutilized | Risk of long queues - add capacity |
≥100% | Unstable | Queue will grow indefinitely |
Practical Examples
Example 1: M/M/1 - Small Store Checkout
Arrival Rate: 4 customers/hour | Service Rate: 5 customers/hour
Utilization: 80% | Avg in System: 4 customers | Avg Wait: 48 minutes
Example 2: M/M/3 - Call Center
Arrival Rate: 15 calls/hour | Service Rate: 6 calls/hour | Servers: 3
Utilization: 83% | Avg in System: 5.2 calls | Avg Wait: 6.5 minutes
Example 3: M/G/1 - Repair Shop
Arrival Rate: 2 jobs/hour | Service Rate: 3 jobs/hour | Variance: 0.2
Utilization: 67% | Avg in System: 1.27 jobs | Avg Wait: 0.47 hours
Example 4: M/D/1 - Automated Process
Arrival Rate: 9 units/hour | Service Rate: 10 units/hour
Utilization: 90% | Avg in System: 4.95 units | Avg Wait: 0.45 hours
Queueing Model Comparison
Model | Arrivals | Service | Servers | Typical Use Cases |
---|---|---|---|---|
M/M/1 | Poisson | Exponential | 1 | Single checkout, simple systems |
M/M/c | Poisson | Exponential | Multiple | Call centers, multi-server systems |
M/G/1 | Poisson | General | 1 | Repair shops, variable service times |
M/D/1 | Poisson | Deterministic | 1 | Automated processes, constant service |