The cash conversion cycle is how many days your money is trapped between paying for something and getting paid for it. The shorter it is, the less cash you need to grow.
What this tool does
You enter how fast you collect (DSO), hold inventory (DIO), and pay suppliers (DPO); it computes the days your cash is tied up.
Who it's for
Founders of inventory or B2B businesses who feel perpetually cash-tight despite sales.
How to use it — step by step
- Enter DSO. Average days customers take to pay you.
- Enter DIO. Average days you hold inventory.
- Enter DPO. Average days you take to pay suppliers.
- Read the cycle. DSO + DIO − DPO = days cash is trapped.
How to read your result
A lower (or negative) cycle means the business funds its own growth. The three levers are: collect faster, hold less stock, pay suppliers slower — in that order of usual impact.
Worked examples
The same tool behaves differently depending on what you put in. Here are 3 situations.
Inventory-heavy
Inputs: Long DIO, moderate DSO.
What the tool shows: A long cycle — lots of cash trapped in stock.
What to do: Attack inventory days first.
Fast-collecting SaaS
Inputs: Paid upfront, no inventory.
What the tool shows: A short or negative cycle — customers fund growth.
What to do: Protect the upfront model.
Improving DPO
Inputs: Negotiate longer supplier terms.
What the tool shows: Shows the cycle shrink as you pay slower.
What to do: Negotiate terms without damaging supplier relationships.
Common questions
What's a good cycle? Lower is better; negative means customers fund your growth.
Which lever first? Usually inventory and receivables before stretching payables.
Why do I feel broke despite sales? A long cycle traps your cash — this shows where.