Q1

Q1 is an abbreviation for quarter one, used to denote the first segment of a year in timekeeping and business reporting. It can refer to the first quarter of a calendar year or to the first quarter of a company’s fiscal year.

In the Gregorian calendar, Q1 covers January through March. Analysts and investors commonly report quarterly results for Q1, compare year-over-year performance, and discuss seasonal factors that influence early-year activity.

Many organizations operate on a fiscal year that starts on a date other than January 1. As a result, Q1 ends on different dates depending on the company's fiscal calendar, such as March 31, June 30, or September 30. Q1 performance is often used to set expectations for the rest of the year and to inform budgeting and planning.

Beyond timekeeping, Q1 is used as a designation in product names, model numbers, or internal codes across various industries. Its meaning is context-dependent and should be clarified by accompanying information to avoid ambiguity.

In budgeting and planning, Q1 is typically a period for establishing targets and allocating resources for the year, though actual results may be affected by seasonality, market conditions, and unforeseen events.