What CSV columns are needed
The minimum CSV needs sku, current_stock, lead_time_days, and a demand source such as average_daily_sales or recent sales totals. Optional fields improve the explanation and reorder quantity.
Search intent: Spreadsheet users want to turn inventory CSV rows into reorder point decisions.
How to Calculate Reorder Point from a CSV
To calculate reorder point from a CSV, prepare one row per SKU with current stock, average daily demand, supplier lead time, and safety stock inputs. The core formula is reorder point = average daily demand x lead time days + safety stock. Then compare inventory position, which is current stock plus incoming stock, against that reorder point.
Single-SKU calculator
How the calculation works
Formula used
Reorder point = average daily demand x lead time days + safety stock. Safety stock adds a buffer for demand changes and supplier delays.
Current stock and incoming stock
Current stock estimates days remaining. Incoming stock is added to current stock as inventory position, so open purchase orders reduce the need to reorder again.
Input fields explained
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| sku | Identifies each product row in the CSV. |
| current_stock | Units available now; used for days remaining and inventory position. |
| average_daily_sales | Preferred demand input when you already know sales velocity. |
| lead_time_days | Supplier replenishment time used in the reorder point formula. |
| lead_time_variability_days | Optional delay buffer used in safety stock. |
| incoming_stock | Units already on order; included in inventory position. |
| minimum_order_quantity | Optional MOQ used to round suggested reorder quantity. |
Worked example
A SKU sells 4 units/day, supplier lead time is 18 days, and safety stock is 24 units. Reorder point = 4 x 18 + 24 = 96 units. If current stock is 50 and incoming stock is 20, inventory position is 70, so the SKU is below reorder point and should be reviewed for reorder.
Common mistakes
- Using monthly sales as average_daily_sales without dividing by the number of days.
- Ignoring incoming_stock and ordering again while a purchase order is already on the way.
- Using the same lead_time_days for every supplier when some suppliers are slower.
- Treating the result as a purchase order without checking promotions, cash, and warehouse limits.
When not to rely on the result
Do not rely only on the formula when demand is changing because of a promotion, seasonal event, stockout period, supplier shutdown, or marketplace ranking change.
FAQ
Can I calculate reorder point directly from a CSV?
Yes. Use one row per SKU with stock, demand, and lead time fields, then calculate reorder point for each row.
What if average_daily_sales is missing?
Use recent sales totals such as last_30_days_sales, last_60_days_sales, or last_90_days_sales to estimate daily demand.
Does incoming stock change the reorder point?
No. Incoming stock changes the reorder decision by increasing inventory position. The reorder point itself comes from demand, lead time, and safety stock.