Idle capacity

It is that part of the capacity of a plant, machine or equipment which
cannot be effectively utilised in production. In other words, it is the difference
between the practical or normal capacity and capacity utilisation based on expected
sales. For example, if the practical capacity of production of a machine is to the tune
of 10,000 units in a month, but is used only to produce 8,000 units, because of
market demand of the product, then in such a case, 2,000 units will be treated as idle
capacity of the machine.