Little's Law
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
In a stable system, the average number of items in process equals the average arrival rate multiplied by the average time spent in the system (L=λW), used to measure the relationship between throughput and inventory.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
In mathematical queueing theory, Little's law (also result, theorem, lemma, or formula) is a theorem by John Little which states that the long-term average number of customers (L) in a stationary system is equal to the long-term average effective arrival rate (λ) multiplied by the average time that …
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Fundamental theorem of queueing theory (Little's Law). In a stable system, the average number of items in process L = average arrival rate λ × average time in system W. The mechanism is that "work in process is proportional to cycle time" — limiting WIP shortens delivery time, independent of throughput.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little%27s_lawverified
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