5.5.9

Current Ratio & Acid Test Ratio

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Current Ratio

The current ratio measures the current assets against the current liabilities of a business.

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Current ratio

  • Current ratio = Current assets ÷ Current liabilities
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Purpose of current ratio

  • This is an indicator of liquidity. It measures whether a business has enough cash (or other current assets) to pay for any debts.

Acid Test Ratio

The acid test ratio is an adjustment of the current ratio. It removes inventories from the equation.

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Acid test ratio

  • Acid test ratio = (Current assets − inventory) ÷ Current liabilities
Illustrative background for Purpose of the acid test ratioIllustrative background for Purpose of the acid test ratio ?? "content

Purpose of the acid test ratio

  • As the acid test ratio excludes inventories, it is particularly useful for businesses with a large number of stocks in the business' working capital. The inventories are typically the most illiquid element of current assets.

Jump to other topics

1Understanding Business Activity

1.1Business Activity

1.2Classification of Businesses

1.3Enterprise, Business Growth & Size

1.4Types of Business Organisation

1.5Business Objectives & Stakeholder Objectives

2People in Business

3Marketing

3.1Marketing & the Market

3.2Market Research

3.3Marketing Mix

3.4Legal Controls

4Operations Management

5Financial Information & Decisions

6External Influences on Business Activity

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