Enter the total inventory (units or $) and the total sales (units or $) into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Inventory To Sales Ratio. 

Inventory To Sales Ratio Formula

ISR = I / S

Variables:

  • ISR is the Inventory To Sales Ratio ()
  • I is the total inventory (units or $)
  • S is the total sales (units or $)

To calculate the Inventory To Sales Ratio, divide the total inventory by the total sales.

How to Calculate Inventory To Sales Ratio?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Inventory To Sales Ratio.


  1. First, determine the total inventory (units or $). 
  2. Next, determine the total sales (units or $). 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = ISR = I / S.
  4. Finally, calculate the Inventory To Sales Ratio.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

total inventory (units or $) = 450

total sales (units or $) = 800

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Inventory To Sales Ratio?

The Inventory to Sales Ratio is a key indicator of a company’s efficiency in managing its inventory relative to its sales volume. A lower ratio suggests that a company is efficiently converting its inventory into sales, while a higher ratio may indicate overstocking or insufficient sales.

How can the Inventory To Sales Ratio impact a business’s financial health?

A high Inventory to Sales Ratio can tie up a business’s capital in unsold goods, potentially leading to cash flow problems. Conversely, a low ratio, while indicative of efficiency, could also mean the business is missing out on sales opportunities due to insufficient stock.

Can the Inventory To Sales Ratio vary by industry?

Yes, the acceptable range for an Inventory to Sales Ratio can vary significantly across different industries due to factors like product shelf life, production lead times, and sales cycles. It’s important for businesses to benchmark their ratio against industry standards.

How often should a business calculate its Inventory To Sales Ratio?

Businesses should calculate their Inventory to Sales Ratio regularly, such as monthly or quarterly, to monitor their inventory management practices and make adjustments as necessary. This regular analysis helps in identifying trends and addressing issues proactively.