Glossary  -> Days sales outstanding ratio

Days Sales Outstanding / Average Collection Period

Also called average collection period, the days sales outstanding ratio is calculated as

trade accounts receivable balance x 365
annual credit sales

The trade accounts receivable amount used in the ratio should be the amount before any deduction for uncollectible accounts.

The following is an example of the calculation:

For a firm with terms of net 30 days, days outstanding of 91.25 would indicate a severe problem in the collection of accounts receivable.

See also accounts receivable turnover and aged accounts receivable.

Revised: May 19, 2025