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Labour efficiency ratio

The labour efficiency ratio compares standard hours for actual output with actual hours worked: standard hours produced ÷ actual hours × 100%. It asks how much standard work was achieved per hour used. Above 100% normally indicates output achieved in fewer hours than standard, subject to valid standards and quality. It is not the same as financial asset turnover or the proportion of budgeted hours actually worked.

Worked example

Actual output represents 1,100 standard hours and takes 1,000 actual hours. Efficiency is 110%; this alone does not show whether enough work was scheduled.

Common mistake

Do not use budgeted hours in the denominator for efficiency; that belongs to capacity or production-volume comparisons.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA MA Direct September 2026–June 2027
FIA FMA Direct September 2026–June 2027