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Inventory Shrinkage Calculator

Compare recorded inventory with a physical count to quantify missing units and estimated cost.

Use a consistent reporting periodCheck the calculation below
Business dashboard
Business dashboard

Use figures from the same reporting period.

See the method

Enter your business figures

Runs on your device

Your key metric

Your result

Let’s calculate.

Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter recorded units, counted units, cost per unit.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

Missing units = recorded − counted. Shrinkage percentage = missing/recorded × 100; estimated cost = missing × cost per unit.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using recorded units = 1000, counted units = 970, cost per unit = 15 money, the result is 3 %. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

The count exceeds the inventory record. This is a surplus requiring reconciliation, rather than an inventory loss; the calculator preserves its negative sign.

What to keep in mind

Use a single product or a consistent unit basis. A difference does not identify theft or its cause; reconcile counting and record errors. Use consistent currencies, reporting periods and accounting definitions. This arithmetic estimate excludes items not entered in the form.

Common questions

What does negative shrinkage mean?

The count exceeds the inventory record. This is a surplus requiring reconciliation, rather than an inventory loss; the calculator preserves its negative sign.

Are business inputs stored?

This tool calculates locally in your browser. It does not upload your figures or connect to your business accounts.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.