Working Capital Calculator

Easily calculate your company's working capital and ratio to evaluate financial stability and liquidity. Working capital is the difference between your current assets and liabilities. This is a key metric that shows how efficiently your business can cover short-term obligations.

Financial Information
Enter your current assets and liabilities to calculate working capital

Cash, inventory, accounts receivable, etc.

Accounts payable, short-term debt, etc.

Formula

Working Capital = Current Assets – Current Liabilities

Working Capital Ratio = Current Assets ÷ Current Liabilities

How to Interpret Results

< 1.0

Poor liquidity (may struggle to pay obligations)

1.0 – 1.5

Adequate but should be improved

1.5 – 2.0

Healthy financial condition

> 2.0

Very strong but may indicate unused capital

Why Working Capital Matters
  • Indicates liquidity and operational efficiency
  • Helps identify potential cash flow problems early
  • Useful for lenders and investors evaluating your business
  • Shows ability to meet short-term obligations
How to Improve Working Capital
  • • Increase accounts receivable collection
  • • Reduce inventory levels
  • • Negotiate better payment terms with suppliers
  • • Increase sales and profitability
  • • Secure long-term financing for assets
What Is Working Capital?

Working capital is the difference between your current assets and current liabilities. It measures your business's short-term financial health and ability to pay day-to-day expenses. Positive working capital indicates you can meet short-term obligations, while negative working capital suggests potential liquidity problems.

Good Working Capital Ratio by Industry
Retail:1.5 - 2.5
Manufacturing:1.2 - 2.0
Services:1.0 - 1.8
Technology:2.0 - 3.0
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good working capital ratio for a small business?

A good working capital ratio for small businesses is typically between 1.5 and 2.0. This indicates sufficient liquidity to cover short-term obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.

How do you calculate working capital?

Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. The formula is: Working Capital = Current Assets - Current Liabilities.

What happens if working capital is negative?

Negative working capital indicates that current liabilities exceed current assets, suggesting the business may struggle to meet short-term obligations and could face liquidity problems.

How can I improve my working capital?

Improve working capital by increasing cash flow, collecting receivables faster, reducing inventory, negotiating better payment terms, and securing long-term financing for capital assets.