> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hivel.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hivel.ai/faqs/metrics-and-data-faqs/why-is-there-an-abnormal-spike-in-cycle-time.md).

# Why is there an abnormal spike in Cycle Time?

Occasionally, you may observe a spike in **cycle time** due to specific events or practices. Here are some common causes:

1. **Merging of a Complex Task**: A challenging or intricate task that took longer than usual to complete may have been merged, extending the cycle time.<br>

   <figure><img src="https://3057781534-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5KAIOUWph0JLSgQqbzyT%2Fuploads%2FW4RDgc5YHBdGbNXUUrDX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=b8c76c35-6ca7-426b-975e-9aaba5744037" alt="" width="288"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. **Cleanup of Long-Standing PRs**: Older pull requests (PRs) merged as part of cleanup activities can inflate cycle time temporarily.<br>

   <figure><img src="https://3057781534-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5KAIOUWph0JLSgQqbzyT%2Fuploads%2Fz9OnMFfAnoIEf2PqBx11%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=82340ac7-3afa-4732-a125-08c8d6820e0f" alt="" width="287"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. **CI/CD Merges for Production**: Certain CI/CD practices involve bundling all sprint commits into a single production merge, leading to a large PR with timestamps from the entire sprint, increasing the cycle time.<br>

   <figure><img src="https://3057781534-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5KAIOUWph0JLSgQqbzyT%2Fuploads%2FgyURUK3Q27FGSQSv4VHg%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=398b1b92-fae0-4676-90d1-cf3c073aabad" alt="" width="288"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In these situations, it’s best to [<mark style="color:purple;">**exclude such large or unique PRs**</mark>](https://hivel.gitbook.io/knowlegebase/using-hivel/pull-request/how-to-exclude-outlier-commits-and-prs) from your cycle time calculations. Doing so provides a clearer, more representative view of day-to-day cycle times, making the data more actionable and relevant.