Demand-capacity ratio
Also known as Demand versus capacity, Demand pressure ratio
Definition
A demand-capacity ratio compares a defined arrival rate or committed workload with the corresponding capacity or throughput of a delivery system. A ratio above one signals pressure under the stated assumptions, not a diagnosis by itself.
Pressure in one comparison
If a system receives 12 comparable items per week and completes 10, a simple demand-capacity ratio is 1.2. Under stable definitions, that pressure tends to create a growing queue or force a policy decision. If the ratio is below one, spare capacity may exist, but it may not be usable for the work arriving next.
A concrete example
An illustrative team receives eight feature requests and four reliability tasks in a month. Its historical capacity is ten items, but the classes are not equivalent. A single ratio built from raw counts could mislead. The team should segment by class or estimate the work in a consistent unit.
Use it for tradeoffs
Pair the ratio with WIP, age, and throughput. When demand is persistently higher, change scope, sequence, service expectations, or capability. Avoid treating the result as an individual productivity target.
Limitations
The ratio is only as credible as its units and denominator. Item splitting, hidden work, and changing complexity can make it unstable. Document the interval, population, and capacity assumption alongside the result.
How this relates to Weave
Weave can help teams compare observed delivery activity with changes entering the engineering workflow. Its data can ground a ratio discussion, but product demand, support work, and staffing constraints must be included from their authoritative systems.
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