Accounting Equation - Definition & Examples

The accounting equation is the foundation of the double-entry accounting system, which is the accounting system that most businesses use.

It shows that all assets are financed either by borrowing money or by using equity from the business’s owners.

The accounting equation also shows that all assets liabilities and equity must balance out.

This is because the accounting equation is based on the idea that a business is like a bank account: what goes in (assets) must equal what goes out (liabilities and equity).

Example of Expanded Accounting Equation

The accounting equation is: Assets = Liabilities + Equity.

It is the basis for the balance sheet equation, one of the most important financial statements.

You can look at the accounting equation in the following way: 

Increase the company’s assets

For example, if a company buys a new piece of equipment, this transaction will increase the company’s assets and also increase its equity (because the company has now invested more money into the business).

However, if the company takes out a loan to pay for the equipment, this transaction will increase the company’s assets and also increase its liabilities.

Therefore, the accounting equation’s important part is to understand and correctly interpret the business transaction.

Liabilities plus Equity 

Equity plus liabilities equal assets.

This expanded accounting equation is the foundation of double-entry accounting, and it is important to understand how it works.

The equation states that a company’s assets must equal the sum of its liabilities and equity.

In other words, the total assets offset the company’s total debts.

This equation ensures that a company’s books are balanced and that its financial statements are accurate.

Another function of the equation is also to calculate a company’s net worth.

To do this, simply subtract total liabilities from total assets.

This will give you the equity, or the residual value of the company.

You can divide Equity into two categories: common equity and preferred equity.

Common equity represents the ownership interest of the common shareholders, while preferred equity represents the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.

A company’s balance sheet equation will list both types of equity, as well as all of the outstanding liabilities.

By understanding this expanded accounting equation, you can get a clear picture of a company’s financial health.

Equity of the accounting equation

Liabilities typically have two categories: current and long-term.

Current liabilities are debts that must be paid within one year, while long-term liabilities are debts that will take longer than one year to pay off.

Equity is the portion of the business that the shareholders owe.

It can be positive or negative, depending on whether the business is profitable or not.

The expanded accounting equation is used to prepare the balance sheet, which is a financial statement that shows the assets, liabilities, and equity of a company at a specific point in time.

A balance sheet has many uses such as assessing the financial health of a business and making decisions about investment and lending.

Assets minus Equity 

The balance sheet is the accounting document that lists all of a company’s assets and liabilities, so it’s the perfect place to start when calculating this equation.

To find the value of a company’s assets, simply look at the total value of all its assets and subtract any outstanding liabilities.

To find the value of shareholder equity, add up the total value of all shares outstanding and subtract any treasury stock.

By subtracting equity from assets, you’re going to have the company’s net worth only.

Equity of the accounting equation

Equity is on the right-hand side of the accounting equation and is equal to assets minus liabilities.

It also represents the ownership interest that shareholders’ equity has in a company.

It can also be thought of as the portion of the balance sheet that represents the residual value of a company’s assets after liabilities are paid.

Equity is important because it gives you a strong indication of financial growth or even paying dividends. 

Equity can also be a source of funds in times of financial distress.

For example, if a company needs to raise cash, it may do so by issuing new shares of stock.

Issuing new shares will increase the company’s equity.

Thus, equity plays an important role in accounting and finance.

Assets minus Liabilities 

The fundamental accounting equation is a part of the double-entry accounting system and ensures that transactions are recorded correctly in the financial statements.

By understanding the basic accounting equation, you will be able to see how transactions affect the financial area of a business.

It is important to remember that assets must equal liabilities plus equity for the books to balance.

If they don’t, then there must be an error somewhere in the account balances.

Basic Accounting Equation Example – How to Calculate

The accounting equation formula is one of the most important concepts in accounting.

This simple equation shows the relationship between a company’s assets, assets liabilities, and equity.

A company’s balance sheet is always in balance because it must reflect this equation.

As an example, let’s say that a company has $100 in assets, $50 in liabilities, and $50 in equity.

This means that the company’s assets equal its assets and liabilities plus its equity.

If the company were to increase its assets by $10, it would need to either increase its liabilities or equity by the same amount to keep the equation in balance.

This example illustrates how you can use an accounting equation to calculate a company’s financial position.

By understanding this equation, you will be able to better understand a company’s financial statements.

Limits of the Accounting Equation

In other words, this equation ensures that a company’s balance sheet stays in balance.

However, there are some limits to what the accounting equation can tell us.

For one thing, the basic accounting equation does not give us any information about a company’s net income.

You won’t be able to view your net income on the balance sheet.

Additionally, the basic accounting equation does not tell us anything about a company’s cash flow.

This is because the accounting equation only includes information that appears on the balance sheet.

As a result, the accounting equation can be a useful tool for understanding a company’s financial position, but it has its limitations.

Using the accounting equation formula to monitor your company’s financial health

The accounting equation is a powerful tool that can help you monitor your company’s financial health.

Essentially, the equation states that your company’s assets must equal your liabilities plus your equity.

This simple equation can give you a great deal of insight into your company’s overall financial condition.

Track your company’s income

For example, if you know that your company has retained earnings of $10,000 and accounts payable of $5,000, you can quickly calculate that your company’s equity is $5,000.

You can also use the accounting equation to track your company’s net income.

If your company has a balance sheet with assets of $50,000 and liabilities of $40,000, you can calculate that your company’s net income is $10,000.

The accounting equation is a simple but powerful tool that can help you understand and improve your company’s financial health.

What is double-entry accounting?

Double-entry accounting is a system of bookkeeping that records every transaction, both a debit and a credit.

In other words, for every financial transaction that takes place, there are two entries on the books.

An accurate picture of a business’s financial health

The double-entry bookkeeping system aims to keep a business’s finances in balance.

On the left side of the balance sheet, all the debts are listed (expenses, liabilities, etc.), and on the right side, all the credits are listed (revenue, assets, equity).

The two sides must always match, and this balancing act is what double-entry accounting is all about.

The double-entry bookkeeping system provides an accurate picture of a business’s financial health because it records both inflows and outflows of cash.

As a result, double-entry accounting software is an essential tool for making sound business decisions.

Table of Contents

The retained earnings of a business are the profits that have been reinvested back into the company, rather than being paid out as dividends.

They appear on the balance sheet as part of the equity section.

You can use retained earnings to finance new projects or expand the business. 

In order to track and record financial transactions, you may use Accounting software.

It can generate a report, such as a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet.

You can use accounting systems for all sizes of businesses, from small businesses to large corporations. 

Business transactions are any type of exchange between two or more parties.

They can involve the transfer of goods, services, money, or information.

Business transactions can be between companies, individuals, or governments.

Shareholders Equity

Shareholders’ equity, also known as owner’s equity, is the portion of a company’s assets that belongs to the shareholders.

It represents the residual value of a company’s assets after liabilities are subtracted.

Shareholders’ equity can be divided into two components: common stock and retained earnings.

Common stock is the portion of the equity that represents the ownership interest of the shareholders.

Retained earnings are the profits that a company has reinvested back into the business.

Accounts payable are not deducted from shareholders’ equity because they represent money that is owed to creditors, not shareholders.

The formula for shareholders’ equity is assets-liabilities=shareholders’ equity.

Another name for this equation is the balance sheet equation because you can use it to prepare a company’s balance sheet.

By subtracting liabilities from assets, we remain with the shareholders’ equity.

Shareholders’ equity=assets-liabilities

Finally, we can divide shareholders’ equity into its two components, common stock and retained earnings, by subtracting retained earnings from owner’s equity.

Common stock=shareholders’ equity-retained earnings

As you can see, shareholders’ equity is a vital part of a company’s financial statement and provides valuable information about a company’s ownership structure and profitability.