An apparatus and method for generating a graphical representation of an estimated time of completion of a content request and the current progress toward completion of the content request, taking into account the processes being performed to prepare the data for transfer to the requesting client device, are provided. With the apparatus and method, a table lookup in a request database is performed based on parameters included in a content request received from a client device. The closest matching entry in the request database is retrieved which includes an associated estimated time of completion of the request. This estimated time of completion of the request is then used along with current system conditions, to generate an estimated time of completion for the current content request. The estimated time of completion for the current content request is then forwarded to the requesting client device which generates a graphical and/or textual representation of the estimated time of completion.