Mean Time to Detect Calculator
Calculate the average delay from a defined incident start to detection for a group of incidents.
How to use this calculator
- Enter combined time to detect (minutes), incidents measured; check the units and use values from the same period or scenario.
- Review the result and intermediate values; change one input at a time when comparing scenarios.
- Keep the stated formula and assumptions with any result you share.
Formula and method
Mean time to detect = sum of detection delays ÷ number of incidents.
- Mean time to detect is 26.5 minutes per incident.
- The result depends on consistent start and detection timestamps. A mean can hide severe outliers, so review medians and percentiles too.
Worked examples
Worked example
12 incidents had a combined detection delay of 318 minutes.
Mean time to detect is 26.5 minutes per incident.
Mean time to detect is 26.5 minutes per incident.
Understanding the result
Mean time to detect is 26.5 minutes per incident.
The result depends on consistent start and detection timestamps. A mean can hide severe outliers, so review medians and percentiles too.
Important notes
The result depends on consistent start and detection timestamps. A mean can hide severe outliers, so review medians and percentiles too.
Use measured inputs and verify that the model matches the situation before making an operational, financial or technical decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lower MTTD always better?
Usually faster detection helps, but compare alert quality, false positives and incident severity.
Does MTTD include response time?
Only if your chosen timestamps define it that way; detection and response should usually be measured separately.
What should I check before relying on this result?
Verify units, input definitions and assumptions against your real data or the relevant product, service or professional guidance.
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Related explanations
Learn the method behind the number or compare the terminology before using the calculator.
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This page provides a calculation tool plus explanatory information so you can understand what the result means and when the underlying method may not fit your situation.