Receivables Turnover Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the receivables turnover calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Receivables Turnover

ar_turnover = (ar_start + ar_end) > 0 ? net_credit_sales / ((ar_start + ar_end) / 2) : 0

Average Collection Period

avg_collection_days = (ar_start + ar_end) > 0 ? 365 / (net_credit_sales / ((ar_start + ar_end) / 2)) : 0

Average Accounts Receivable

avg_ar = (ar_start + ar_end) / 2

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
net_credit_salesNet Credit Sales(USD)800000
ar_startAccounts Receivable (Beginning)(USD)60000
ar_endAccounts Receivable (End)(USD)100000

How It Works

How to Calculate Receivables Turnover

Formula

Receivables Turnover = Net Credit Sales / Average Accounts Receivable Average Collection Period = 365 / Receivables Turnover

This ratio measures how many times per year a company collects its average receivables balance. A higher number indicates faster collection. The average collection period converts the ratio into days, giving you a concrete sense of how long customers take to pay their invoices.

Worked Example

A company had $800,000 in net credit sales. Accounts receivable were $60,000 at the start and $100,000 at the end.

net_credit_sales = 800000ar_start = 60000ar_end = 100000
  1. 01Average AR = ($60,000 + $100,000) / 2 = $80,000
  2. 02Receivables Turnover = $800,000 / $80,000 = 10.0
  3. 03Average Collection Period = 365 / 10 = 36.5 days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good receivables turnover?

Higher is better, but it depends on your payment terms. If you offer net-30 terms and your collection period is 35 days, you are performing well. A collection period much longer than your terms suggests collection issues.

How can I speed up collections?

Offer early payment discounts, send invoices promptly, follow up before due dates, tighten credit policies, and consider requiring deposits or shorter payment terms for slow-paying customers.

Learn More

Guide

Cash Flow Analysis Guide

Learn how to analyze cash flow for your business. Understand operating, investing, and financing cash flows, and why profitable companies can still run out of cash.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Receivables Turnover Calculator