Impound storage bills by the day, with a one-day minimum the moment a vehicle hits the lot. Take the larger of one day or the days held, times the daily rate.
5 days at $35 is $175. A same-day pickup still bills one day, so a quick release is never free.
The example
Three vehicles, each with days held and a daily storage rate.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicle | Days held | Daily rate | Storage fee |
| 2 | Sedan | 5 | $35 | $175 |
| 3 | Pickup | 0 | $35 | $35 |
| 4 | Box truck | 12 | $50 | $600 |
The formula
MAX enforces the one-day minimum:
How it works
The MAX guarantees a floor of one day:
MAX(1,B2)returns the days held, but never less than 1 — even a zero-day pickup bills one day.C2is the daily storage rate.- Multiplying the billable days by the rate gives the storage charge.
Some lots add a flat administrative fee on top; append it: =MAX(1,B2)*C2+AdminFee.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter the days held and the daily storage rate.
Variations
Add an admin fee
Tack a flat lot/administrative fee onto the daily storage.
Cap the total
Some jurisdictions cap accrued storage; limit it with MIN.
Pitfalls & errors
MAX(1,B2) sets the floor; a same-day release still bills a full day, which matches most lot policies.
Count days by your lot's rule (calendar day vs 24-hour period). Be consistent or disputes follow.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why MAX instead of just multiplying?
How do I cap accrued storage?
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