Potato Input vs Finished Chips Output: How to Calculate Yield

Yield is one of the most important financial variables in a potato chips factory.

Basic Formula

Overall yield = Finished chips weight ÷ Raw potato weight

Example:

2,000 kg raw potatoes

→ 500 kg finished chips

Yield:

500 ÷ 2,000 = 25%

Where Does the Weight Go?

Loss occurs through:

* soil removal;

* peeling;

* trimming;

* defective potato rejection;

* starch removal;

* water evaporation.

The largest weight reduction occurs during frying because fresh potatoes contain substantial moisture.

Why Yield Changes

Yield depends on:

* potato variety;

* dry matter;

* solids content;

* peel loss;

* defects;

* storage conditions;

* slice thickness;

* final moisture.

Financial Effect

Suppose finished production is 500 kg/h.

At 25% yield:

500 ÷ 0.25 = 2,000 kg/h raw potato

At 22%:

500 ÷ 0.22 = 2,273 kg/h

The difference is 273 kg of potatoes every production hour.

Across thousands of operating hours, that difference becomes financially significant.

Supplier Evaluation

Ask the supplier:

What raw potato specification is assumed in your capacity calculation?

A guaranteed finished output without defined raw material assumptions is incomplete.