Par Level
Also called: par stock
What is Par Level?
Par level is the standard quantity of an item that should be on hand at the start of each service or trading day. Anything below par gets ordered or prepped back up to it.
Why Par Level matters
Par levels turn stock decisions into a checklist that any staff member can run. They are especially effective in kitchens and bars, where ordering judgement otherwise sits with one person.
Par Level formula
Order quantity = Par level − Current stock on hand
Set par from peak usage rather than from the average.
How Par Level works in practice
Set par from peak-period usage plus a small buffer, and review seasonally. Counting to par at open and close is a two-minute routine that removes most day-to-day shortages.
Frequently asked questions
Par is a target you top back up to; a reorder point is a trigger to place an order.