Operations · business glossary
What is TAT (Turnaround Time)?
By Shivam Bhandari · Reviewed 31 October 2026 · How we write
definition
The time between a request entering a process and the result coming out the other end.
TAT (turnaround time) explained
Turnaround time is how long it takes to complete a task or deliver an order from the moment it's requested.
formula
TAT = Completion time − Request time
example
An order placed at 10 a.m. and delivered at 4 p.m. has a TAT of 6 hours.
why it matters
Fast, reliable TAT is a major driver of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
common mistake
Measuring only the average — customers remember the slowest experiences.
Frequently asked questions
What is TAT (turnaround time)?
The time between a request entering a process and the result coming out the other end. Turnaround time is how long it takes to complete a task or deliver an order from the moment it's requested.
How do you calculate TAT (turnaround time)?
TAT = Completion time − Request time. An order placed at 10 a.m. and delivered at 4 p.m. has a TAT of 6 hours.
Why does TAT (turnaround time) matter?
Fast, reliable TAT is a major driver of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
What is a common mistake with TAT (turnaround time)?
Measuring only the average — customers remember the slowest experiences.
Related terms
Bottleneck
The single slowest step in a process that limits how much the entire process can output, regardless of how fast other steps run.
Capacity utilisation
The percentage of a business's total possible output that's actually being used or produced.
WIP (work in progress)
Items or tasks that have been started but not yet completed as they move through a process.