what month does the quarter start in financials
DEFINITION of 'Quarter - Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4'. A three-month period on a financial calendar that acts as a basis for the reporting of earnings and the paying of dividends. The four quarters that make up the year are: January, February and March (Q1); April, May and June (Q2); July, August and September (Q3); and October, November and December (Q4).