What this calculator tells you

A profitable store can still run short of cash when inventory and receivables sit on the balance sheet longer than supplier bills come due. The cash conversion cycle makes that timing gap visible.

Cash conversion cycle = days inventory outstanding + days sales outstanding - days payable outstanding. Operating cycle = inventory days + receivable days. Cash gap = cash conversion cycle x daily cash outlay.

When to use it

Use it when planning inventory purchases, negotiating payment terms, or checking whether faster growth will require more working capital.

Use conservative inputs

Start with your landed cost, real fee rates, and a pessimistic advertising cost. The result is more useful when the assumptions are honest.

Watch the common mistake

Looking only at inventory days can miss slow collections or short supplier terms that extend the time between paying for stock and getting paid by customers.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as daily cash outlay?

Use the average daily cash needed to operate the part of the business being modeled, such as inventory and fulfillment costs. It is not the same as daily revenue.

Can the cash conversion cycle be negative?

Yes. If supplier payment terms are longer than inventory and receivable days, the business may collect from customers before paying suppliers.

How often should I calculate it?

Review it monthly or when payment terms, inventory turns, or collection practices change. A single period can be distorted by seasonal stock.

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