---
title: "Cycle count"
description: "Cycle count meaning: checking a small slice of stock on a regular schedule instead of one big annual count. Learn the common methods, with an example."
url: https://1flux.ai/glossary/cycle-count
last_updated: 2026-10-11
---

[Procurement and inventory](https://1flux.ai/glossary#procurement-and-inventory)

# Cycle count

Cycle count meaning: counting a little stock often, instead of everything once a year.

Glossary Updated 11 October 2026

Definition

A cycle count is a scheduled count of a small part of the inventory, such as one category, location or class of items, repeated regularly so all stock is counted over a period without a full shutdown.

## Cycle count meaning and methods

Instead of closing the warehouse once a year, teams count a slice every week. High-value or fast-moving items, often called A items in ABC analysis, are counted more often than slow, cheap ones.

Example: a distributor counts about 5% of its SKUs each week, so every item is counted roughly every five months and its top 200 items every month.

Cycle counting finds errors sooner and keeps accuracy visible, but it needs reliable location data and discipline. It complements, and in some audits replaces, the annual full [stock count](https://1flux.ai/glossary/stock-count).

In 1flux

Stock counts in 1flux start from a snapshot of the warehouse, can be blind, and post the variance at cost in one step. [See stock counts, transfers and wastage](https://1flux.ai/products/inventory/stock-control)

Related

## Keep exploring

### [Stock count](https://1flux.ai/glossary/stock-count)

Counting physical stock and comparing it with the system.

### [Inventory write-off](https://1flux.ai/glossary/inventory-write-off)

Removing lost, damaged or expired stock from the books.

### [Item master](https://1flux.ai/glossary/item-master)

The central catalogue record for every item you buy, stock or sell.

### [Stock control](https://1flux.ai/products/inventory/stock-control)

Snapshot counts, transfers and write-offs with reasons, each difference posted at cost.

Last updated 11 October 2026