Optimal subdivision of total depth of cut during cost optimization in multipass turning is an important decision along with the selection of speed and feed. In this paper a new approach for the determination of the optimal subdivision of depth of cut is presented. The total production cost minimization is achieved by summation of the minimum costs of individual rough passes and the finish pass. The cost of each rough pass or finish pass is independently minimized. The optimal subdivision of total depth of cut is obtained using an integer programming model. The resulting subdivision of depth of cut yields a lower minimum cost than that obtained by using the commonly practised strategy of having minimum depth of cut in the finish pass and removing the remaining depth of cut in number of rough passes of equal size.