Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)

The Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is a classic deterministic inventory model that identifies the order quantity minimizing the sum of annual ordering and holding costs. Introduced by Ford W. Harris in 1913 and later popularized by R. H. Wilson, EOQ assumes constant demand, fixed cost parameters, and instantaneous replenishment. It remains the foundational benchmark for inventory management in manufacturing, retail, and supply chain contexts where demand is relatively stable and costs are well-characterized.