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Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculator – Financial Risk - Free Business Calculator | ASK SMB
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Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculator – Financial Risk

Free Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculator. Assess business leverage and financial risk instantly.

Calculate Debt-to-Equity Ratio

Inputs

$

All short-term and long-term debts

$

Owner's equity or net worth of the business

Results

Shareholders' equity must be greater than zero

How the Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculator Works

What is the Debt-to-Equity Ratio?

The debt-to-equity ratio is a fundamental financial metric that measures how much a company relies on debt versus equity to finance its operations and assets. It's calculated by dividing total liabilities (all debts) by shareholders' equity (the owners' stake in the business). This ratio reveals the company's financial leverage and capital structure — essentially, how much the business owes compared to what it owns. A ratio of 1.5, for example, means the company has $1.50 in debt for every $1.00 of equity. Understanding this ratio helps business owners, lenders, and investors assess financial risk and sustainability.

Why Debt-to-Equity Matters

  • •Risk Assessment: Higher ratios indicate greater financial risk and vulnerability to downturns
  • •Lending Decisions: Banks use this ratio to determine loan eligibility and interest rates
  • •Financial Flexibility: Lower ratios provide more room to borrow during emergencies or opportunities
  • •Business Valuation: Investors consider this when evaluating company worth and investment risk
  • •Solvency Indicator: Shows whether the business can meet long-term obligations

Calculation Formula

Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Liabilities ÷ Shareholders' Equity

Example Calculation

Total liabilities:$300,000
Shareholders' equity:$200,000

Debt-to-Equity = $300,000 ÷ $200,000 = 1.5

Debt-to-equity ratio:1.5
Risk level:Moderate

What is a Good Debt-to-Equity Ratio?

"Good" debt-to-equity ratios vary by industry, but general guidelines apply:

  • ✓Below 1.0: Conservative and low risk — more equity than debt
  • ≈1.0 to 2.0: Moderate leverage — balanced capital structure
  • ⚠Above 2.0: High leverage — significant financial risk

However, capital-intensive industries like manufacturing or real estate often operate with higher ratios. Tech companies and service businesses typically maintain lower ratios. Compare your ratio to industry benchmarks for accurate context.

How Lenders Use This Ratio

Lenders rely heavily on debt-to-equity ratios when evaluating loan applications:

  • 1.Creditworthiness Assessment: Lower ratios suggest the business can handle additional debt
  • 2.Interest Rate Determination: Better ratios qualify for lower interest rates
  • 3.Loan Amount Limits: Higher ratios may result in smaller approved loan amounts
  • 4.Collateral Requirements: High leverage may require additional collateral or guarantees
  • 5.Covenant Restrictions: Lenders may impose ratio maintenance requirements in loan agreements

How to Improve Debt-to-Equity

  • ✓Pay Down Debt: Reduce liabilities by paying off loans aggressively
  • ✓Increase Profitability: Retained earnings boost equity without adding debt
  • ✓Add Equity Investment: Bring in investors or contribute more owner capital
  • ✓Convert Debt to Equity: Negotiate with lenders to convert loans to ownership stakes
  • ✓Sell Non-Essential Assets: Use proceeds to reduce debt burden
  • ✓Avoid Unnecessary Borrowing: Fund growth through operations when possible

Frequently Asked Questions

The debt-to-equity ratio is a financial metric that compares a company's total liabilities (debt) to its shareholders' equity (ownership value). It measures how much a business relies on borrowed money versus owned capital to finance operations. The ratio shows financial leverage — essentially, how much debt the company uses relative to equity. It's calculated by dividing total liabilities by shareholders' equity. A ratio of 1.5 means the company has $1.50 in debt for every $1.00 of equity.

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💡 Quick Tips

  • •All calculations happen in your browser - your data is private
  • •Results update in real-time as you type
  • •Export to PDF or share via link
  • •No sign-up required

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