Quarter to date (QTD)

Definition

Quarter to date (QTD) refers to the period starting from the beginning of the current quarter up to the current date. 

What is quarter to date?

QTD allows businesses to monitor their performance and compare it to previous quarters or targets. It provides a snapshot of how well the company is performing within the current quarter, helping to identify areas of strength and weakness.

Understanding QTD allows businesses to assess their performance and progress within the ongoing quarter. It provides valuable insights into trends, patterns, and fluctuations in key metrics over time, enabling companies to make informed decisions, adjust strategies, and manage resources effectively.

By analysing QTD data, businesses can make timely and informed decisions to optimise operations, allocate resources efficiently, and address any challenges or opportunities that arise during the quarter. The data can also be compared to previous quarters or the same period in previous years to assess growth, trends, and seasonality. This comparative analysis helps businesses identify long-term patterns and make strategic decisions accordingly.

QTD figures are often included in financial reports and presentations to stakeholders, investors, and management. They provide a clear overview of the company’s financial health and progress during the quarter.

Example of quarter to date

Let’s say today’s date is February 21st, and we’re in the first quarter of the year (Q1). XYZ Corporation began tracking its sales from January 1st.

As of February 21st, the quarter to date sales figures for XYZ Corporation are as follows:

• January sales: £500,000
• February sales (up to February 21st): £300,000

To calculate the total sales quarter to date, we add the January sales to the sales up to February 21st:

QTD sales = £500,000 + £300,000 = £800,000

So, as of February 21st, XYZ Corporation’s quarter to date sales amount to £800,000. This figure represents the company’s total sales performance from the beginning of the quarter (January 1st) up to February 21st.