How is the acid test ratio calculated?

The acid test ratio, also known as the quick ratio, is a financial metric that measures a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations using its most liquid assets. The correct method of calculation includes assessing cash and current assets against current liabilities.

This approach focuses on the most liquid forms of assets—cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable—rather than total current assets, which might include inventory that cannot be quickly converted to cash. By doing so, the acid test ratio provides a more stringent view of a company's liquidity, indicating whether it can pay off its immediate liabilities without needing to sell inventory.

The ratio is crucial for assessing financial health, especially in times of financial scrutiny, as it indicates if a company can cover its short-term debts without relying on inventory sales, which may not be immediate. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the components or principles behind the acid test ratio.