Course Outline
Join PRO

What is the operating cycle?

Author:
Harold Averkamp, CPA, MBA

Operating cycle definition

The operating cycle is the time required for a company’s cash to be put into its operations and then return to the company’s cash account.

Operating cycle example

A manufacturer’s operating cycle is amount of time required for the manufacturer’s cash to be used to:

  • pay for the raw materials needed in its products
  • pay for the labor and overhead costs needed to convert the raw materials into products
  • hold the finished products in inventory until they are sold
  • wait for the customers’ cash payments to be collected

The operating cycle is the sum of the following:

The operating cycle has importance in classifying current assets and current liabilities. While most manufacturers have operating cycles of several months, a few industries require very long processing times. This could result in an operating cycle that is longer than one year. To accommodate those industries, the accountants’ definitions of current assets and current liabilities include the following phrase: …within one year or within the operating cycle, whichever is longer.

To assist you in computing and understanding accounting ratios, we developed 24 forms that are available as part of AccountingCoach PRO.

You can also read our Explanation of Financial Ratios.

Join PRO to Track Progress

Features

Free

PRO

Lifetime Access (One-Time Fee)
Explanations
Quizzes
Q&A
Dictionary
Bookkeeping Video Training
Financial Statements Video Training
Visual Tutorials
Quick Tests
Quick Tests with Coaching
Cheat Sheets
Flashcards
Crossword Puzzles
Word Scrambles with Coaching
Bookkeeping Study Guide
Managerial and Cost Accounting Study Guide
Certificates of Achievement
Bookkeeping Certificate of Excellence
Business Forms
Printable PDF Files
Progress Tracking
Motivational Badges and Points
Motivational Medal Rankings
Motivational Activity Streaks
Public Profile Page of Achievements

About the Author

Harold Averkamp

For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) has
worked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online. He is the sole author of all the materials on AccountingCoach.com.

Learn More About Harold

Read 3,033 Testimonials

PRO for Teams
  • Easily onboard new users and team admins
  • Monitor individual user progress and grades
  • Monitor team progress and compare users
  • View average grades and find problem areas
  • Monitor recent activity and user achievements
PRO for Teams
Take the Tour Join Pro Upgrade to Pro