In reliability models, state transition rates are typically obtained from failure rates and repair rates. The failure rates of components can be calculated using prediction models. These calculations should consider the base failure rate as well as the appropriate environmental stress factors.

After examining the operational equipment associated with each state in the state transition diagram, corresponding failure rates can be calculated using failure rate handbooks available for commercial or military products (such as Telcordia [formerly Bellcore] and MIL-HDBK-217 respectively). Because these handbooks are so well respected and widely used, numerous software programs that calculate failure rates based on them are available.

Where several states can be reached from a single state, the equipment failure rate is apportioned among the possible transitions as indicated by the FMEA. For additional information, refer to Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.

Maintenance-related state transitions are calculated from repair times. Calculations for repair time can be based on generic maintenance procedures or accepted standards (such as MIL-HDBK-472 Procedures 2, 5A and 5B). The most common maintainability calculation is MTTR (Mean Time To Repair), which is basically the average time required to perform repairs or maintenance on a system.