Business & Finance

What is Quick Ratio (Acid-Test Ratio)?

A stricter liquidity measure than the current ratio, excluding inventory from current assets to show a company's ability to meet short-term obligations with its most liquid assets.

How It Works

The Quick Ratio (or Acid-Test Ratio) measures whether a company can pay its current liabilities without relying on selling inventory. It's a more conservative test of liquidity because inventory may not be easily convertible to cash at full value. Quick assets include: cash, marketable securities, and accounts receivable — but NOT inventory or prepaid expenses. A quick ratio of 1.0 or higher is generally considered healthy. It's especially important for businesses with slow-moving inventory.

Formula

Quick Ratio = (Current Assets − Inventory − Prepaid Expenses) ÷ Current Liabilities

Real-World Example

A company has: Current Assets ₹25,00,000 (including Inventory ₹8,00,000 and Prepaid ₹50,000). Current Liabilities ₹15,00,000. Quick Ratio = (25,00,000 − 8,00,000 − 50,000) ÷ 15,00,000 = 1.1. They can just meet obligations without selling inventory.

Why It Matters

1

Ensures accurate financial reporting and record-keeping

2

Helps maintain regulatory and tax compliance

3

Enables better-informed business decisions

4

Improves operational efficiency and cash flow management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good quick ratio?

1.0 or higher is generally acceptable. Above 1.5 is strong. Below 0.5 is concerning. However, some industries like supermarkets operate successfully with low quick ratios because their inventory turns over very rapidly.

Why exclude inventory from the quick ratio?

Inventory can be slow to sell, may become obsolete, and typically can't be converted to cash at full value in a hurry. The quick ratio tests whether a company can survive its short-term obligations even if inventory sales suddenly stopped.

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