Desired Ending Inventory is an essential component of effective supply chain management. It’s the calculation used to determine the ideal amount of merchandise that should be in the inventory system at the end of the accounting period. By accurately estimating how many items are needed for future sales, companies can ensure they have enough items for customer orders without overstocking inventory.

The formula for calculating Desired Ending Inventory is as follows: Desired Ending Inventory = Forecasted Sales + Lead Time – On Hand Inventory + Safety Stock. This equation factors in key pieces of information—such as predicted product demand, lead time and safety stock—that will help you determine the right amount of inventory to keep on hand. With the help of Desired Ending Inventory Formula, businesses can make smarter and more informed decisions about their inventory to optimize their operations.