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Lead Time Calculator: Order to Delivery

Add up processing, production, shipping, customs and receiving days to get the total lead time, arrival date and reorder point.

Days for each stage
days
days
days
days
days

Lead time

39days

Calendar days

Expected arrival

11 Dec 2026

Reorder point

1,760units

Lead time = processing + production + transit + customs + receiving

Reorder point = daily usage × lead time + safety stock

Business days skip weekends but not public holidays. Add the holidays of the supplier's country to the stage that falls on them.

How to calculate lead time

Lead time is the time from placing an order to having the goods ready to use. For an importer it is the sum of the supplier's order processing, production, shipping, customs clearance and receiving. Knowing it tells you when to reorder so you do not run out.

How to calculate lead time

Lead time = processing + production + transit + customs + receiving. For example 2 + 21 + 12 + 3 + 1 = 39 days. To measure a past order, take the date received minus the order date.

Reorder point

Reorder point = daily usage × lead time in days + safety stock. If you use 40 units a day, the lead time is 39 days and you keep 200 units of safety stock, reorder when stock falls to 40 × 39 + 200 = 1,760 units.

Typical lead times by stage

StageTypical range
Order processing1 to 5 days
ProductionStock items 0 to 7 days, made to order 15 to 60 days
Sea freight, Asia to Europe or USAbout 20 to 40 days port to port
Air freight2 to 7 days door to door
Customs clearance1 to 5 days

Ranges are indicative; use your own supplier's and forwarder's figures. Shipping by container? See the container dimensions and CBM calculator.

Copy the result, or save it as a PDF to attach to an email or a purchase file. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Features

  • Plan an order or measure a past one
  • Calendar or business days
  • Five supply chain stages
  • Expected arrival date
  • Reorder point with safety stock
  • Copy or PDF

Frequently asked questions

What is supplier lead time?

The time a supplier needs from receiving your order to shipping it: order processing plus production. Total lead time adds transit, customs and receiving.

Should I use calendar or business days?

Use what your supplier quotes. Factories often quote business days, while shipping lines quote calendar days. The calculator shows both.

How do I reduce lead time?

Hold safety stock, order from stock items, ship by air for urgent lots, file customs documents before arrival, and agree production slots in advance.

Is the calculator free?

Yes. No sign up. It runs in your browser, and you can copy the result or save it as a PDF.

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