Approval Cycle Time Calculator

Work out approval cycle time instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Approval Cycle Time Calculator

Approval time scales linearly with the number of levels, and rework adds a probability-weighted delay on top. Because each extra level adds delay without usually adding control value, reducing levels and raising delegated authority is the highest-return change.

Formulas

Base approval time

Base = Approval levels x Average days per level

Expected time

Expected = Base + Rework probability x Rework delay

Worked example

With the default values below, Approval Cycle Time Calculator returns Expected approval cycle time of 7.06. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Number of approval levels: 4
Average days at each level: 1.6
Share requiring rework or clarification: 22
Additional days when rework is needed: 3

Results

Expected approval cycle time: 7.06
Approval time without rework: 6.40
Delay contributed by rework: 0.66
Saving from reducing to three levels: 1.60

Step by step

1Values used
2Base approval time
3Expected time
4Expected approval cycle time= 7.06
5Approval time without rework= 6.40
6Delay contributed by rework= 0.66
7Saving from reducing to three levels= 1.60

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many approval levels are enough?

Two to three for most spend, with authority thresholds rather than universal routing. More levels dilute accountability rather than strengthening it.

What causes rework?

Incomplete requisitions, missing budget codes and unclear specifications. Better forms and validation remove most of it.