Backlog Clearance Velocity Calculator

📖 Overview

This calculator shows whether your backlog is shrinking or expanding under current pace.

It compares completed tasks to new incoming work and returns realistic clearance time.

Use it to decide when to reduce intake or raise capacity.

Use these default and higher-pressure example inputs to explore how sensitive this calculator is before using your real numbers.

Calculates backlog burn-down time from current queue size and net daily throughput.

The Formula

Days To Clear = Open Tasks ÷ (Tasks Completed/Day − New Tasks/Day)

Open Tasks	Current unresolved queue size
Completed/Day	Average tasks closed per day
New/Day	Average new tasks entering queue daily
Net Burn	Completed/Day minus New/Day

💡If net burn is zero or negative, backlog will not clear and may grow indefinitely.

Use this tool when you need a fast decision during active planning or execution.
Use this before committing money, time, or tradeoffs that are hard to reverse.
Use this to compare options using the same assumptions across scenarios.

Results can be misleading if key inputs are missing, stale, or unrealistic.
Very small or very large values may amplify rounding effects and interpretation risk.
If assumptions change mid-decision, recalculate before acting.

💡 If net daily clearance is near zero, backlog reduction will stall.

💡 Increase completion rate or reduce incoming work to recover control.

💡 Track net burn weekly to detect hidden throughput regression.

❓ Why does clear time jump so fast?

When net clearance is small, each new task heavily extends timeline.

❓ Can this handle changing workload by week?

This version assumes constant daily rates.