Turnaround Time Calculator - Calculator Academy

Enter the end time and start time into the calculator to find the total elapsed time. If you completed multiple tasks or processes during that period, divide the elapsed time by the number of tasks or processes to find the average turnaround time per task (set N = 1 for a single task/request).

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Turnaround Time Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the average turnaround time per task when N tasks/processes are completed between a start time and end time (for a single task, use N = 1):

\text{Avg TAT} = (ET - ST) / N

Variables:

Avg TAT is the average turnaround time per task
ET is the end time
ST is the start time
N is the number of tasks or processes completed in the time window

To calculate the average turnaround time per task, subtract the start time from the end time to get the total elapsed time, and then divide the result by the number of tasks or processes (N). If you are measuring turnaround time for a single process/request, the turnaround time is simply ET − ST (equivalent to using N = 1).

What is a Turnaround Time?

Turnaround time refers to the amount of time taken to complete a process or fulfill a request, usually measured from when it starts (or is submitted) to when it finishes. The concept is commonly used in business and technology, particularly in relation to customer service, supply chain management, and information systems. For instance, in customer service, turnaround time might be the time between a customer complaint being filed and the issue being resolved. In supply chain management, it could refer to the time taken from placing an order to delivery. In information systems, turnaround time might be the time taken to process a piece of data or a request. In general, shorter turnaround times are often associated with greater efficiency (all else equal). When multiple tasks are completed in a single measured window, it is also common to report the average turnaround time per task.

How to Calculate Turnaround Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Turnaround Time:

First, determine the start time of the process (ST).
Next, determine the end time of the process (ET).
Next, subtract the start time from the end time to find the total elapsed time (ET − ST).
If you completed multiple tasks/processes during that period, determine the number of tasks/processes (N) and divide the elapsed time by N to find the average turnaround time per task.
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.

Start time: 8:00 AM

End time: 10:30 AM

Number of tasks (N): 1

Average turnaround time per task: (10:30 − 8:00) / 1 = 2.5 hours per task