What Is Inventory Conversion?
Definition of Inventory Conversion Period
- The inventory conversion period is the timeframe that encompasses the process of obtaining the raw materials, manufacturing, to selling the product.
- It helps the firms estimate the timespan between the day raw materials are bought to the day the product is sold.
- The ideal inventory conversion ratio differs between industries.
Want to learn more financial ratios?
Get the eBook explaining some of the most useful ratios for free now.
What is the Formula for Inventory Conversion?
- To calculate the inventory conversion period, divide the average inventory by cost of goods sold per day.
Inventory conversion period = inventory/cost of goods sold per day
Inventory Conversion in Practice
- If the average inventory of Walter pharmacy is $800 and the annual cost of goods sold is $146,000. What is the inventory conversion period of Walter’s pharmacy?
- As the cost of goods sold is given in years, it has to be converted into days. So $146,000/ 365 days = $400 per day.
- Now the information can be plugged in the formula:
- $800/ $400 = 2 days
- In conclusion, Walter pharmacy can purchase raw material, manufacture, and sell the products, all within two days.
Learn some of the most useful financial ratios!
Don’t miss this free eBook.