Plain-language questions
Ask for warehouse utilisation per month, customer or product in the SQL Explorer with AI. The AI writes the SQL, you see the query and run it yourself; the AI only receives metadata.
KPI · Logistics
Warehouse utilisation: formula and example.
Warehouse utilisation is the percentage of available storage capacity in use, measured in pallet locations, shelf locations or cubic metres, for example. It shows how much room is left for growth or peak stock. A full warehouse often works more slowly, because goods end up in temporary spots.
Warehouse utilisation formula
Storage capacity in use ÷ total storage capacity × 100%
Worked example
Acme Groothandel's warehouse has 2,000 pallet locations. On 31 May 2026, 1,640 were occupied. Warehouse utilisation is 1,640 ÷ 2,000 × 100% = 82.0%.
Fictitious figures for Acme Groothandel, a sample wholesaler.
How to read this KPI
Low utilisation means you are paying for space you do not use. Utilisation that sits close to the limit all the time slows down picking and putaway and leaves little room for seasonal peaks. Compare by zone and storage type with your own trend, and set it against dead stock: part of the space is often filled with items that do not sell.
Pitfalls with warehouse utilisation
- Counting a location holding one box as fully occupied, which hides how full it really is.
- Adding up different location types, such as pallets and shelves, without a common unit.
- Using only a month-end snapshot when the peak is mid-month.
SQL & DAX
Calculating warehouse utilisation in SQL and DAX
Two examples on a fictitious data warehouse for Acme Groothandel: a PostgreSQL query and a measure for a Power BI model. Adjust table and column names to your own model.
SELECT warehouse,
SUM(capacity) AS capacity,
SUM(used) AS used,
ROUND(100.0 * SUM(used) / NULLIF(SUM(capacity), 0), 1) AS utilization_pct,
COUNT(*) FILTER (WHERE used >= capacity) AS full_locations,
COUNT(*) FILTER (WHERE used = 0) AS empty_locations
FROM warehouse_locations
GROUP BY warehouse
ORDER BY utilization_pct DESC;Warehouse Utilisation = DIVIDE(SUM(Locations[Used]), SUM(Locations[Capacity]))
Empty Location Share = DIVIDE(CALCULATE(COUNTROWS(Locations), Locations[Used] = 0), COUNTROWS(Locations))In ENABLE
Tracking this KPI in ENABLE
In your Power BI dashboard
Define the KPI as a measure in your Power BI model and show it in the portal, with "Last refreshed" next to it. Access profiles and optional row-level security decide who sees which figures.
Custom dashboards (pilot)
Add the KPI as a tile to a custom dashboard, compared with last year. The Dashboard Builder is a pilot and can be switched on per client.
Monthly targets
With the built-in Targets app you set a target for the KPI per month, so you see actuals and target side by side.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate warehouse utilisation?
Divide the storage capacity in use by total storage capacity and multiply by 100. Pick a unit that suits your storage, such as pallet locations or bin locations. Calculate it per zone if you have different storage types.
When is a warehouse too full?
There is no fixed threshold, but a warehouse that is nearly full usually works less efficiently. Signs include temporary storage in aisles, longer search times and more double handling. Set your own practical maximum based on those signals.
What is the difference between warehouse utilisation and capacity utilisation?
Warehouse utilisation is about storage space: how many locations or cubic metres are in use. Capacity utilisation is usually about production or processing time: how many of the available hours you use. A warehouse can be full while the pickers have little to do.
Further reading
- KPI libraryLogistics KPIs: formulas and examplesLogistics KPIs measure whether orders reach the customer on time, complete and at a reasonable cost. The data comes from your WMS, shipping platform and carrier statuses.Read more
- ResourcesHow to build a KPI dashboard: steps and examplesA KPI dashboard is an overview of the key figures you use to steer towards your goals, such as revenue, margin, on-time delivery or absenteeism. A good KPI dashboard does not start with the software, but with the decisions it needs to support. You then choose a limited number of KPIs, define them, sketch the dashboard and only then build it.Read more
- SolutionPower BI dashboard portal: share dashboards securelyShare your Power BI dashboards securely in your own portal, with role-based access.Read more
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