AQL Calculator — Free Sample Size & Accept/Reject Tool

When you order products from China, you cannot inspect every single unit. That would take too long and cost too much. Instead, you use AQL sampling. You check a random sample and decide if the whole batch passes or fails.

But how many units should you check? And how many defects are too many? That is what the AQL calculator does. It uses your order size and quality level to give you clear numbers.

This guide shows you how to calculate AQL sample size step by step. No complicated math required.

What You Need Before You Calculate

To use the AQL calculator, you need three things:

1. Your lot size — The total number of units in the order
2. Your AQL level — How strict you want the inspection to be
3. Inspection level — Normal, tightened, or reduced (most importers use normal level II)

Step 1: Find Your Sample Size Code

The first step is to find your sample size code using the AQL table. Match your lot size to the right code.

Step 2: Find Your Acceptance Number

Once you have the sample size code, use the AQL level to find the acceptance (Ac) and rejection (Re) numbers.

Here are common values for inspection level II:

AQL Calculator Example

Let us walk through a real example.

Your order: 3,000 units of textile products
Your AQL level: 2.5 (standard for consumer goods)
Inspection level: II (normal)

Step 1: Lot size 3,000 falls in the range 1,201 to 10,000 → Sample size code L

Step 2: Code L means you inspect 200 units

Step 3: AQL 2.5 with code L → Accept (Ac) = 10, Reject (Re) = 11

Result: Your inspector checks 200 units. If 10 or fewer have defects, the batch passes. If 11 or more have defects, it fails.

Quick Calculation by Order Size

AQL Calculator for Different Product Types

Not all products need the same AQL level. Here is a quick guide:

• Electronics and electrical products: AQL 0.65 to 1.0 — Strict. Even small defects can cause safety problems.
• Textiles and apparel: AQL 2.5 — Standard. Covers sizing, stitching, and fabric defects.
• Hard goods and household items: AQL 2.5 to 4.0 — Normal to loose. Cosmetic defects are less critical.
• Toys and childrens products: AQL 1.0 to 2.5 — Stricter for safety reasons.

AQL Calculator FAQ: Sample Size, Acceptance Numbers & Formula

What is the AQL calculation formula?
There is no single formula — AQL sampling uses the ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 table. You find your lot size row, read across to your inspection level (usually level II), and get the sample size code letter. Then you read that letter across the AQL columns (1.0, 2.5, 4.0, etc.) to find the accept (Ac) and reject (Re) numbers. For example, a lot of 3,201-10,000 units at level II gives sample size code L and a sample of 200 units. At AQL 2.5, the acceptance number is 10 and the rejection number is 11.

How do I calculate sample size for AQL 2.5?
For AQL 2.5, find your lot size in the ANSI Z1.4 table, move across to inspection level II, and read the sample size code. A 2,501-10,000 unit lot gives code L = 200 units sampled. For a 200-unit sample at AQL 2.5, accept if 10 or fewer defects are found; reject if 11 or more.

How many defects are allowed in a sample of 200 at AQL 2.0?
A 200-unit sample at AQL 2.0 accepts the batch if 7 or fewer defects are found, and rejects it if 8 or more are found. The exact numbers come from the Ac/Re columns of the ANSI Z1.4 table for your sample size code.

Is AQL 1.0 stricter than AQL 2.5?
Yes. A lower AQL number means a stricter standard. AQL 1.0 allows fewer defects than AQL 2.5 for the same sample size — for a 200-unit sample, AQL 1.0 accepts at 5 defects while AQL 2.5 accepts at 10.

What does the acceptance number (Ac) mean?
The acceptance number is the maximum number of defective units allowed in the sample for the batch to pass. If defects found are equal to or below Ac, the batch passes. If defects reach the rejection number (Re), the batch fails.

Common AQL Calculator Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using the wrong inspection level. Most importers should use level II (normal). Level I uses smaller samples. Level III uses larger samples.

Mistake 2: Forgetting about critical defects. Critical defects always have AQL 0. One critical defect fails the entire inspection, no matter the sample size.

Mistake 3: Confusing AQL levels. A lower AQL number means stricter inspection. AQL 1.0 is stricter than AQL 4.0.

Need Help with AQL Inspection?

CloudSpects handles the AQL calculation for you. Every inspection uses the correct sample size and AQL level based on your order size and product type. You get a clear pass or fail result with photos of every defect found.

Try the Free AQL Calculator

Instead of doing these calculations by hand, use our free AQL sample size calculator. Enter your lot size, select your AQL level, and get the sample size and acceptance numbers instantly.

Use the AQL Calculator →

Hashtags: #AQL #AQLCalculator #ProductInspection #QualityControl #ChinaSourcing #ImportFromChina

Related Articles

• AQL Sampling Explained: How to Read the AQL Table and Choose Your Sample Size
• AQL Chart and Table: How to Read the AQL Sampling Chart for Product Inspection
• AQL in Product Inspection: The Complete Guide for Importers