Quick Ratio Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the quick ratio calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Quick Ratio

quick_ratio = current_liabilities > 0 ? (current_assets - inventory - prepaid_expenses) / current_liabilities : 0

Quick Assets

quick_assets = current_assets - inventory - prepaid_expenses

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
current_assetsTotal Current Assets(USD)500000
inventoryInventory(USD)120000
prepaid_expensesPrepaid Expenses(USD)30000
current_liabilitiesTotal Current Liabilities(USD)250000

How It Works

How to Calculate the Quick Ratio

Formula

Quick Ratio = (Current Assets - Inventory - Prepaid Expenses) / Current Liabilities

Also called the acid-test ratio, this metric strips out inventory and prepaid expenses because those assets cannot be converted to cash instantly. The result tells you whether the company can cover its bills using only its most liquid assets such as cash, marketable securities, and receivables.

Worked Example

A company has $500,000 in current assets, $120,000 in inventory, $30,000 in prepaid expenses, and $250,000 in current liabilities.

current_assets = 500000inventory = 120000prepaid_expenses = 30000current_liabilities = 250000
  1. 01Quick Assets = $500,000 - $120,000 - $30,000 = $350,000
  2. 02Quick Ratio = $350,000 / $250,000 = 1.40
  3. 03The company has $1.40 in liquid assets for each $1 of current liabilities.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Quick Ratio Calculator