Method and assumptions
Sell-through compares units sold with units available during a period. Use consistent treatment for transfers, cancellations, damages and returns when reconciling stock.
Sell-through = units sold / (beginning units + units received). Expected ending = available units - units sold.
Worked scenario
Enter beginning units, receipts and units sold for one product and period. Reconcile expected ending inventory with the recorded balance, then explain transfers, damages, cancellations and returns. Compare comparable launch weeks rather than products with different time on sale.
How to interpret the result
Sell-through shows how much available stock converted to sales during the period. A high rate can indicate strong demand or an underbuy; a low rate can indicate weak demand, early receipts or deliberate forward stock. Margin, stockouts and time remaining in the season provide the context.
Input reference
- Beginning units
- Example default: 1000
- Units received
- Example default: 500
- Units sold
- Example default: 900
- Counted ending units
- Example default: 580
- Days in period
- Example default: 30
Common mistakes
- Comparing different launch ages or period lengths.
- Ignoring returns and transfers in inventory reconciliation.
- Treating high sell-through as positive despite stockouts.
Before using the result
- Use one SKU, location scope and date range.
- Reconcile expected and recorded ending units.
- Pair sell-through with margin and availability.
Questions to check before deciding
Should returned units reduce sold units?
Use net sold units when returned products are restored to available inventory during the same period.
Why does counted ending stock differ?
Transfers, damage, shrinkage, timing and unprocessed returns can explain the variance.
Independent calculator. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the platforms mentioned.