# Cycle Start / End

The **LTT Cycle Start** and **LTT Cycle End** step types should be placed at the setup / cleanup of each operation mode sequence. That way the cycle counter will increment by one each time the operation mode sequence has passed through.

Of course, when the cycle counter should increment depends on your concrete testplan. For example, if your operation mode sequence never leaves (not recommended) the cycle end call should be placed inside the loop of your operation mode.

![Cycle Start / End](/files/75ZxCMXr72Ea9eJXYwdd)

The cycle counter is available as a [TestStand variable](/ltt/documentation/ltt-gui-manual/teststand/predefinedvariables.md): **FileGlobals.LTT.RV.Cycles**.

The cycle counter is also added as a separate [history column](/ltt/documentation/ltt-gui-manual/configuration/historyconfiguration.md) per default.

{% hint style="info" %}
Only **cycle end** is needed to increment the cycle counter. You only need to place a **cycle start** step at the beginning of your cycle if you configure **data recording** to **record every x minutes**. [Read more about data recording](/ltt/documentation/ltt-gui-manual/lttgui/dialogs/datarecording.md).
{% endhint %}


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