What Fiscal Quarter Is It?
Pick your fiscal year start month and instantly see the current fiscal quarter, its date range, and how far through it you are.
Fiscal years around the world
A fiscal year (also called a financial year) does not have to align with the calendar year. Governments and large organisations often choose a start date that suits their budget cycle, their industry's seasonal patterns, or historical convention.
The US federal government's fiscal year runs October 1 – September 30, so FQ1 covers October through December. The UK government and most Indian companies start their fiscal year on April 1. Australia and New Zealand use July 1. Most US public companies report on a calendar year, but retailers like Walmart and Best Buy end their year in late January to include the holiday shopping season.
When someone says “Q3 earnings” you need to know which fiscal calendar they are using. A US-federal Q3 (April–June) is very different from a calendar Q3 (July–September). The widget above lets you select the right fiscal year start so you always get the correct answer.
Frequently asked questions
What fiscal quarter is it right now?
Select your fiscal year start month from the dropdown and the widget will show the current fiscal quarter in real time using your device's clock.
What is a fiscal quarter?
A fiscal quarter is one of four three-month periods in a company or government's fiscal (financial) year. Unlike a calendar quarter which always starts in January, a fiscal year can begin in any month — so the fiscal quarters shift accordingly.
When does the fiscal year start in different countries?
Common fiscal year start dates: United States federal government — October 1. United Kingdom and India — April 1. Australia and New Zealand — July 1. Most US corporations use a January 1 calendar year, but many retailers end their fiscal year in late January or early February to capture holiday sales. Always check the specific organisation.
What is the difference between FQ1 and Q1?
Q1 (calendar quarter) always runs January–March. FQ1 (fiscal quarter 1) is the first quarter of a company's fiscal year and may run at any three-month offset depending on when their fiscal year begins.
How many days are in a fiscal quarter?
It depends on which months the fiscal quarter spans. Quarters covering January have 90 or 91 days (leap year), April–June have 91 days, July–September have 92 days, and October–December have 92 days. The widget shows the exact count for any fiscal year configuration.