In describing machinability, three different measurements are generally considered on a relative, if not quantitative, basis. These are:

shear, tensile, and impact strength of the material being machined.

surface finish of the material achievable, power consumption required to remove a given volume of material, and expected tool life.

softness of the material, sharpness of the cutting tool, and type of machine used to remove the material.

volume of material before machining, volume of material after machining, and time required to remove that volume.