Quick ratio

Meaning: this ratio establishes a relationship among quick assets and current liabilities

Objective: the objective of commuting this ratio is to calculate the ability of the firm to meet its short term obligation as and when due without relying upon the realization of stock

Components: there are two components of this ratio which are as under:

a) Quick assets: which means those current assets which can be converted into cash immediately or at a short notice without a loss of value and include the

b) Current liabilities

Computation: this ratio is computed by separating the quick assets by the current liabilities. This ratio is usually expressed as a pure ratio e.g., 1:1. In the form of a formula this ratio may be expressed as under

Interpretation: it shows rupees of quick assets available for each rupee of current liability. Traditionally a quick ratio of 1: is considered to be a satisfactory ratio. Though this traditional rule should not be used blindly since a firm having a quick ratio of more than 1 may not be meeting its short term obligations in time if its current assets consist of doubtful and slow paying debtors while a firm having a quick ratio of less than 1 may be meeting its short term obligations in time because of its very efficient inventory management.

Significance of quick ratio

The quick ratio is very useful in measuring the liquidity position of a firm. It measures the firm capacity to pay off current obligation immediately and is a more rigorous test of liquidity than the current ratio. It is used as a complementary ratio to the current ratio