5 Steps to Calculating Direct Operating Cash Flow 

Here are the five steps you need to take to calculate the direct operating cash flow:

1. Accrual vs. Cash Revenue - If you manage your accounting on an accrual basis, you recognize revenue when you earn it, rather than receive it. Cash revenue, however, considers revenue when the money changes hands. To calculate your direct operating cash flow, you’ll need to identify your cash-basis revenue. Fortunately, many platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero provide this information. Alternatively, simply take a look at all the money you received from your customers in that specific time frame. 
2. Non-Inventory Based Cost of Goods Sold - Next, look at your cost of goods sold or how much you spend to produce the goods or services you sell. This figure should exclude inventory and  include lenders that require immediate payouts. These immediate payouts may be for wages, equipment costs, and freight. 
3. Inventory - Now, determine the money spent on your inventory, or the assets your business has and intends to sell to customers. It will likely include a mix of raw materials, work-in-progress items, and finished goods. 
4. Operating Expenses - Then, figure out your operating expenses. This will include things like wages, rent & utilities, software, sales & marketing, etc. 
5. Operating Cash Flow - Last but not least, take your cash revenue  and subtract your cost of goods sold, purchases, and operating expenses. If you purchase recurring services with a credit card, be sure to deduct your credit card payments as well, so long as they’re not the same expenses noted in bullet #4. 

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