Numeric Distribution - Definition & Example

Published in Operations and Supply Chain Terms by MBA Skool Team

What is Numeric Distribution?

Numeric distribution refers to number of stock keeping units or stores which contains a particular brand of product. Numeric distribution helps to calculate reach of brand in terms of percentage in relevant market. Numeric distribution does not have relation with sales volume of the brand of product. Thus numeric distribution determines in how many locations a particular brand is available to customers.


Numeric Distribution Formula

Numeric distribution is calculated as follows:

Numeric distribution = (Number of shops carrying a particular brand) ÷ (Total number of shops)

All these are a part of distribution metrics, which are performance indicators.

Example of Numeric Distribution

If we consider an example of Colgate toothpaste selling in a store and its sales volume in particular store.

STORES

STORE 1

STORE 2

STORE 3

STORE 4

SALES VOLUME

5%

10%

15%

70%

So if we want to calculate numeric distribution of product from stores 1 to 3 then we calculate it as:

Numeric distribution = ¾ =75%

Thus it shows that Colgate toothpaste is available in 3 stores out of 4 giving numerical distribution as 75% .If we take any decision based on this figure it could be misleading as we can see Stores 1 to 3 contribute to only 30% of sales volume while store4 gives 70% sales volume. This anomaly can be eliminated in weighted distribution which considers quality of distribution thus giving weighted distribution as 30% for stores 1 to 3. So both numeric and weighted distribution should be looked at while making any decision based on distribution of product.

Hence, this concludes the definition of Numeric Distribution along with its overview.

This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

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