Free tool · Calculator

How Many Counters Do You Need? Queue Calculator

Plan staffing for a bank, clinic, pharmacy or service desk and see how adding one counter changes the wait.

By Qyvea LimitedUpdated 2026-10-17
Enter your numbers above.

How it is calculated

Workload (in counters) = arrivals per hour x service minutes / 60. Average wait uses the Erlang C queueing model for a single shared queue with identical counters. Real queues vary by hour, so check your busiest hour and an average hour.

Results are estimates for planning. Real systems depend on site conditions; Qyvea surveys and quotes before installation.

Tips from our installers

  • One shared queue (take a number) gives shorter waits than separate lines.
  • Measure the real service time with a queue system report, not a guess.
  • Priority lanes and appointments flatten the peaks.

Frequently asked questions

Why does one extra counter cut the wait so much?

When counters are nearly full, small changes have big effects on waiting.

Does this include walk-aways?

No, it models customers who wait; long waits cause walk-aways on top.

What does a queue system add?

Tickets, calling, screens and reports so you can see the real numbers.

Related

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