Cost of Delay calculator

Cost of Delay is value lost when a capability or product arrives late.

Enter approximate weekly value of being done and weeks of delay.

Cost of Delay calculator

Inputs

Results

Delay cost —

What delay is worth

What is it?

Cost of Delay is value lost when a capability or product arrives late.

Why it matters

Shifts prioritization from “hardest work” to “most expensive delay”.

How it works

Enter approximate weekly value of being done and weeks of delay.

Formula Delay cost = weekly value × delay weeks

Why you’ll love this

Translate delay into money so priorities follow lost value, not just effort.

How to jump in

  1. Enter weekly value

    What being done this week is worth.

  2. Add delay weeks

    How many weeks late.

  3. Read the cost

    Total opportunity cost of the delay.

What you walk away with

  • Simple formula
  • Priority decisions
  • Links to Timeline and ROI
  • Free

Where it shines

Backlog priority

Pull forward work with expensive delay.

Scope negotiation

Show the cost of slipping Must items.

With Timeline

If the calendar slips, quantify the cost.

Quick answers

Where does weekly value come from?

Estimated revenue, savings, or risk reduction if the capability is ready.

Is it exact?

Great for relative prioritization; keep absolute numbers assumption-clear.

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