A center’s capacity is its licensed slots. Enrollment utilization — enrolled over licensed capacity — shows how full you are and the revenue sitting in empty spots.
The example
68 enrolled of 80 licensed.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 68 / 80 | — |
| 3 | Utilization | → 85% |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- Divide enrolled children by licensed capacity for utilization.
- Open slots = capacity − enrolled — the room to grow.
- Multiply open slots by average tuition for the revenue opportunity.
- Track by age room — capacity is per classroom, limited by ratios.
Capacity is per room, not per building. A center can be “85% full” overall yet have a waitlist for infants and empty preschool spots — because each room’s capacity is capped by its age ratio and square footage. Track utilization per classroom, and value the open slots at that room’s tuition; that’s where the real enrollment (and staffing) decisions live.
Try it: interactive demo
Enrolled, capacity, average tuition.
Variations
Open slots
Room to grow:
Revenue opportunity
Open × tuition:
By age room
Per classroom:
Pitfalls & errors
Per room. Capacity is per classroom, capped by ratios.
Licensed, not physical. Use the licensed capacity, not chairs.
Zero capacity. No license gives #DIV/0!.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate enrollment utilization in Excel?
How do I value empty slots?
Why track by room?
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