Business, finance and operations

Days inventory outstanding (DIO)

  • Business, finance and operations

Definition

The average number of days stock is held before it is sold.

Also called

DIO, Days inventory outstanding

Example

€100k of average inventory with €600k of COGS × 365 gives about 61 days.

For your role

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Why it matters

Holding stock too long ties up cash.

Where it is used

Supply chain and working capital reports.

How to calculate it

Average inventory ÷ COGS × 365

Worked example

€100k of average inventory with €600k of COGS × 365 gives about 61 days.