Six SigmaQuality

Process CapabilityCp / Cpk

Indices (Cp, Cpk) that compare the spread and centering of a process to its specification limits.

Process capability indices quantify how well a process fits within its specification limits. Cp compares the spec width to the process spread (6σ); Cpk also accounts for how centered the process is. A Cpk of 1.33 is a common minimum, 1.67+ for critical characteristics.

Capability is only meaningful once a process is stable (in statistical control on a control chart). It directly maps to sigma level and defect rates.

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