Quick Ratio
How many times short-term debt the assets immediately convertible to cash (excluding inventory) cover — a stricter ability to pay than the current ratio.
In plain terms
The current ratio looks at "soon-usable assets" including inventory, but inventory does not become cash right away if it does not sell.
The quick ratio excludes inventory and looks at whether short-term debt can be paid with only what truly turns into cash fast, like cash and receivables. It is a stricter version of the current ratio.
What it tells you
It looks at whether near-term debt can be covered even assuming inventory cannot be sold.
In inventory-heavy industries (retail, manufacturing), if the current ratio is fine but the quick ratio is low, it signals that a large part of the ability to pay is tied up in inventory.
Formula
quick ratio = (current assets − inventory) ÷ current liabilities
What high or low means
At 1 or above, short-term debt is read as coverable even without inventory.
A large gap between the current ratio and the quick ratio means that much of the short-term assets depend on inventory.
The quick ratio too is a point-in-time value and swings with the funding schedule. Normal levels differ by industry (businesses where inventory is core run low), so industry comparison is needed.
If the receivables (accounts receivable) are shaky, the real ability to pay can be weak even with a high quick ratio.
Metrics to read alongside
See it in real stocks
Search US stocks on Stocklore to see Quick and other financial metrics alongside the sector average.
This explanation is for information and reference only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investment decisions and their consequences are your own.