Calculator
Compute lead time to deployment using dates/times or direct durations. Use business hours to reflect real work time.
Example data table
Use these sample values to test the calculator quickly.
| Scenario | Request | Start | Code complete | Deploy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast path | 2026-03-01 09:00 | 2026-03-01 10:00 | 2026-03-01 15:00 | 2026-03-01 16:00 | Low queue time, same-day deploy. |
| Weekly release | 2026-03-02 11:00 | 2026-03-03 09:30 | 2026-03-04 17:00 | 2026-03-06 14:00 | Release window adds wait after code complete. |
| Duration mode | — | — | — | — | Queue=6h, Processing=14h, Wait=10h. |
Formula used
- Lead Time = Deployment time − Request time.
- Queue Time = Work start − Request time (if provided).
- Processing Time = Code complete − Work start (if provided).
- Release Wait = Deployment time − Code complete (if provided).
- Buffered Lead Time = Lead Time × (1 + Buffer% ÷ 100).
How to use this calculator
- Choose Dates & times for timeline measurement.
- Enter Request and Deployment times (required).
- Optionally add Start and Code Complete.
- Enable business hours for work-time tracking.
- Add a buffer percent for safer commitments.
- Press Calculate to show results above.
- Export the latest result as CSV or PDF.
FAQs
1) What is lead time to deployment?
It is the elapsed time from a request being created to the change being deployed. It helps you understand delivery speed and where delays happen.
2) Why split queue, processing, and release wait?
Splitting stages shows whether delays come from waiting to start, slow work, or release windows. Each stage points to a different improvement action.
3) When should I use business hours?
Use it when you want a working-time view that excludes weekends and holidays. It is helpful for comparing periods fairly when work calendars vary.
4) What if I don’t know “code complete” time?
Leave it blank. The calculator still computes total lead time and treats code complete as the deployment moment for stage breakdown.
5) How should I choose a buffer percent?
Pick a small uplift that matches variability and risk. Many teams start with 10–30% and adjust after reviewing outcomes across several releases.
6) Does the PDF export include charts?
No. The built-in PDF is a lightweight summary of the latest result values. For richer reporting, export CSV and build charts in your tool.
7) Is my data stored permanently?
This single-file version keeps recent results in your session only. It does not store data in a database unless you add one.