How Long Is Your Stock Sitting Idle?

Picture a shop where products sell fast. Cash flows easily. You always have just the right amount of inventory—never too much or too little. It may seem like a dream, but you can achieve this balance by tracking one key metric: Days Sales of Inventory (DSI).

DSI, also known as inventory days, helps you understand how long your products sit on the shelf before they’re sold. It’s a key inventory metric to track. This is especially true if you work in retail, wholesale, manufacturing, or e-commerce.

Why is it so important? Because stock that sits too long ties up money, takes up space, and often ends up being discounted or wasted. On the other hand, stock that turns quickly fuels better cash flow, lower holding costs, and stronger profits.

In this guide to DSI, we’ll cover what daily sales of inventory are, how to calculate them, why they matter, and how to reduce them effectively. You’ll learn how to put DSI to work in your own business and use it to guide smarter stock decisions every day.

What Is DSI (Days Sales of Inventory)?

Definition

Days Sales of Inventory (DSI) measures the average number of days it takes a company to sell its entire inventory. It indicates the efficiency of your inventory management and product demand.

DSI Formula

The basic formula is:

DSI = (Average Inventory / Cost of Goods Sold) × 365

Where:

  • Average Inventory = (Beginning Inventory + Ending Inventory) / 2
  • COGS = Cost of Goods Sold over a specific period (usually annual)

Why DSI Matters for Your Business

1. Tracks Inventory Efficiency

A lower DSI suggests products are selling quickly. A higher DSI may point to excess stock or slow-moving goods.

2. Boosts Cash Flow

Faster turnover helps you turn inventory into cash quickly. This boosts liquidity and cuts down on working capital needs.

3. Identifies Stocking Issues

High DSI could signal overstocking, poor demand forecasting, or ineffective promotions.

4. Helps You Benchmark Performance

Compare DSI over time, by product lines, or with industry standards. This helps you see how well your stock management strategies are performing.

Calculating DSI: Step-by-Step

1: Get Your Data

You’ll need:

  • Beginning and ending inventory values
  • Cost of goods sold (COGS) over the period

2: Calculate Average Inventory

(Average Inventory) = (Beginning Inventory + Ending Inventory) / 2

3: Plug into the DSI Formula

DSI = (Average Inventory / COGS) × 365

Example

  • Beginning Inventory = £80,000
  • Ending Inventory = £100,000
  • COGS = £600,000

Average Inventory = (£80,000 + £100,000) / 2 = £90,000

DSI = (£90,000 / £600,000) × 365 = 54.75 days

This means it takes around 55 days to sell your stock.

What Is a Good DSI Value?

It depends on your:

  • Industry: Perishables require fast turnover (DSI < 15), while furniture may sit longer (DSI > 70).
  • Business model: E-commerce stores often aim for leaner inventory.

General Benchmarks

  • Grocery Retailers: 5–15 days
  • Fashion/Retail: 30–60 days
  • Electronics: 40–70 days
  • Furniture/Appliances: 60–100 days

The lower the DSI, the more efficiently you’re turning stock into sales. But too low could mean understocking and missed opportunities.

DSI vs. Inventory Turnover Ratio

The inventory turnover ratio tells you how many times inventory is sold in a period. DSI tells you how long it takes to sell it once.

Inventory Turnover Formula:

COGS / Average Inventory

Connection Between the Two:

DSI = 365 / Inventory Turnover

Want to learn how to calculate turnover? Read: Calculating Inventory Turnover Ratio.

Real-World Impact of DSI: Case Study

Case: Bella’s Kitchenware

Bella noticed that her warehouse was packed, but sales were sluggish. Her accountant revealed a DSI of 78 days, much higher than her industry average of 45.

Actions Taken:

  • Implemented flash sales for overstocked SKUs
  • Streamlined product range
  • Introduced better demand forecasting

Outcome:

  • Reduced DSI to 48 days in six months
  • Improved cash flow by 22%
  • Cut warehouse holding costs by 17%

How to Reduce Your DSI

Lowering DSI helps you move stock faster and frees up capital. Here’s how to do it smartly.

1. Improve Demand Forecasting

Logo of Google Trends featuring the words Google Trends with a colorful rising graph symbolizing increasing search interest.

Use tools like Google Trends, historical sales, and customer surveys to predict better.

2. Optimise Reordering Cycles

Adopt just-in-time (JIT) strategies to avoid overstocking.

3. Enhance Promotions & Sales Strategy

Use limited-time offers, bundles, or loyalty points to speed up slow sellers.

4. Tighten Product Assortment

Drop slow-movers and double down on proven performers.

5. Use Inventory Management Software

Platforms such as Zoho Inventory, Unleashed, and DEAR Systems offer alerts, track DSI, and trigger reorders.

Common Mistakes When Interpreting DSI

  • Using Revenue instead of COGS in the formula
  • Relying on DSI without context — e.g., during peak seasons or clearance periods
  • Ignoring product-level variation — Some items naturally have a longer shelf life
  • Not adjusting for backorders or supplier delays

Tools for Monitoring DSI

Manual Tools:

  • Google Sheets or Excel with DSI templates

Inventory Software:

  • QuickBooks Commerce
  • NetSuite
  • Zoho Inventory

BI Dashboards:

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  • Power BI, Tableau, Looker — all support DSI visualisations

Conclusion: Make Every Day Count in Inventory

Managing your Days Sales of Inventory is more than a technical task. It’s a strategic advantage. No matter if you run an online store or a physical shop, tracking DSI can help. It shows how well you move stock, reveals if you have too much inventory, and guides you to improve your financial results.

Remember: high DSI can signal overstocking, sluggish sales, or cash locked in unsold goods. Low DSI shows you’re moving products quickly—but if it’s too low, you could risk running out. The goal isn’t just to lower your DSI. It’s to find the right balance for your industry, product mix, and customer expectations.

First, find your current DSI. Then, compare it to your benchmarks. Look for quick wins, such as better demand forecasting or optimising reordering. Small changes can have a big impact on your cash flow and stock health.

With the right tools, the right insight, and a proactive mindset, inventory days don’t have to be a guessing game. They can become one of your sharpest business tools.

Have a question about reducing DSI in your business, or want to share your experience? Share your thoughts or send this guide to another business owner. It might be just what they need to manage their inventory better.

To learn more about inventory management, read: Implementing Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory Systems.