AQL Chart & ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 Sampling Table (2026)
TL;DR: The Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) chart from ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 (formerly MIL-STD-105E) is the global standard used by third-party inspectors to decide how many units to sample from a production lot and how many defects are acceptable. This reference guide explains the table, the inspection levels, and which AQL to choose for your product.
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Step 1 — Find your sample size code letter
Use General Inspection Level II (the default for most consumer goods). Look up your lot size on the left, read the code letter on the right.
Lot 2–8: A
Lot 9–15: B
Lot 16–25: C
Lot 26–50: D
Lot 51–90: E
Lot 91–150: F
Lot 151–280: G
Lot 281–500: H
Lot 501–1,200: J
Lot 1,201–3,200: K
Lot 3,201–10,000: L
Lot 10,001–35,000: M
Lot 35,001–150,000: N
Lot 150,001–500,000: P
Lot 500,001+: Q
Step 2 — Sample size by code letter
The code letter tells you how many units the inspector pulls at random from the lot for single sampling.
A = 2 units, B = 3, C = 5, D = 8, E = 13, F = 20
G = 32, H = 50, J = 80, K = 125, L = 200
M = 315, N = 500, P = 800, Q = 1,250
Step 3 — Accept / Reject numbers by AQL level
AQL is expressed as a percentage of defective units. Lower AQL = stricter. The common split for consumer goods is AQL 2.5 (Major) and AQL 4.0 (Minor); Critical defects are always 0.
AQL 0.65 (very strict — medical, electronics): tighter accept/reject thresholds
AQL 1.0 (strict — automotive, electricals)
AQL 1.5 (Major defects — premium brands)
AQL 2.5 (Major defects — standard for apparel, hardgoods, home decor)
AQL 4.0 (Minor defects — standard for apparel, hardgoods)
AQL 6.5 (loose — promotional or low-cost goods)
Inspection levels explained
ANSI Z1.4 defines 3 general levels and 4 special levels. Most importers use Level II.
Level I — smaller sample (less discrimination, lower cost)
Level II — DEFAULT, balanced discrimination vs cost
Level III — larger sample (high discrimination, used for new suppliers)
Special S-1 to S-4 — destructive or expensive tests
Worked example — 5,000-unit garment order
Lot size 5,000 → code letter L → sample size 200 units.
Critical defects: 0 allowed, reject at 1
Major defects (AQL 2.5): accept ≤10, reject ≥11
Minor defects (AQL 4.0): accept ≤14, reject ≥15
Which AQL should I choose?
Answer: Match AQL to your product risk and brand positioning. Stricter AQL = fewer defects shipped, but higher inspection cost and tighter factory negotiations.
Match AQL to your product risk and brand positioning. Stricter AQL = fewer defects shipped, but higher inspection cost and tighter factory negotiations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is AQL?
Acceptable Quality Limit — the maximum percentage of defective units that, for sampling purposes, is considered satisfactory as a process average. AQL 2.5 means up to 2.5% defective is acceptable in the sampled batch.
What is the difference between ANSI Z1.4 and MIL-STD-105E?
ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 is the modern civilian replacement for the US military standard MIL-STD-105E. The sampling tables are virtually identical — most factories and inspection bodies still refer to the older name.
What AQL is standard for clothing?
Most apparel brands use AQL 2.5 for Major defects and AQL 4.0 for Minor defects with General Inspection Level II. Premium brands tighten Major to 1.5.
How is the sample size calculated?
Sample size depends on the lot size and inspection level, not on the AQL. The AQL only determines the accept/reject numbers once the sample is pulled.
Can I use AQL for 100% inspection?
No — AQL is a statistical sampling standard. If you need zero-defect tolerance, request 100% inspection (typically $0.10–$0.30 per unit on top of standard QC).
How do I get started with Small World India?
Send us your product specs or reference images via the contact form. Within 48 hours we shortlist 3 vetted factories with FOB pricing, MOQ, and lead times — at no cost.
What is the typical MOQ for sourcing from India?
MOQs range from 100 units (jewelry, handicrafts) to 5,000+ units (textiles, packaging). We negotiate flexible MOQs for first orders and combine SKUs across factories when needed.
How does Small World India ensure product quality?
Every order includes factory audit, mid-production inspection, and pre-shipment AQL 2.5 inspection by our in-house QC team. You receive photos, videos, and a full inspection report before shipment leaves the port.
Related Resources
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Read MoreThird-Party Inspection India
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