Glossary

What is Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)?

Last updated July 2026

Definition

Economic order quantity (EOQ) is the order size that minimizes the combined cost of ordering and holding inventory.

Also known as: EOQ

Formula EOQ = √((2 × Demand × Order Cost) ÷ Holding Cost)

EOQ balances two opposing costs: order too often and ordering cost rises; order too much and carrying cost rises. The optimum sits where they trade off.

It's a useful baseline, but real reorder decisions also weigh supplier minimums, price breaks, and demand variability.

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