The Accounting Equation
Basic form
Assets = Capital + Liabilities Rearranged
Capital = Assets − Liabilities Every business transaction involves a debit entry and an equal credit entry.
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Accounting 4AC1
Key formulas, ratios, and structures for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Accounting — from double-entry principles to ratio analysis and depreciation calculations.
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Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
This formula sheet covers every calculation and ratio you need for the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Accounting (4AC1) examination. Use it alongside your revision to ensure you can derive any formula quickly and interpret results accurately in context.
Accounting equation and double-entry bookkeeping
Income statement profit formulas
Balance sheet structure and working capital
Full ratio analysis with interpretation guidance
Every transaction must keep the accounting equation in balance.
Basic form
Assets = Capital + Liabilities Rearranged
Capital = Assets − Liabilities Every business transaction involves a debit entry and an equal credit entry.
Debit
Increase in assets | Decrease in liabilities | Decrease in capital | Expenses recorded Credit
Decrease in assets | Increase in liabilities | Increase in capital | Revenue recorded Closing Capital = Opening Capital + Net Profit − Drawings + Additional Capital Introduced Follow the logical sequence from revenue to net profit.
Cost of Sales = Opening Inventory + Net Purchases − Closing Inventory Gross Profit = Revenue − Cost of Sales Net Profit = Gross Profit − Expenses (overheads) Expenses include: wages, rent, utilities, depreciation, interest on loans, advertising.
Gross Profit Margin (%) = (Gross Profit / Revenue) × 100 Net Profit Margin (%) = (Net Profit / Revenue) × 100 The balance sheet shows the financial position of a business at a specific date.
Non-Current Assets + Current Assets − Current Liabilities − Non-Current Liabilities = Capital Working Capital = Current Assets − Current Liabilities Positive working capital is needed to meet day-to-day obligations.
Net Book Value = Cost − Accumulated Depreciation State the formula, show calculation, give the ratio, and interpret in context.
Gross Profit Margin (%) = (Gross Profit / Revenue) × 100 Net Profit Margin (%) = (Net Profit / Revenue) × 100 ROCE (%) = (Net Profit / Capital Employed) × 100 Capital Employed = Total Assets − Current Liabilities.
A ratio of 2:1 is generally considered healthy. Too high may indicate inefficient use of assets.
Current Ratio = Current Assets : Current Liabilities Ideal around 1:1 — tests whether the business can pay immediate debts without selling inventory.
Liquid Ratio = (Current Assets − Inventory) / Current Liabilities Lower number = faster collection of money owed.
Trade Receivables Days = (Trade Receivables / Revenue) × 365 Trade Payables Days = (Trade Payables / Cost of Sales) × 365 Times per year
Inventory Turnover = Cost of Sales / Average Inventory Days
Inventory Days = (Average Inventory / Cost of Sales) × 365 Depreciation spreads the cost of a non-current asset over its useful economic life.
Annual Depreciation = (Cost − Residual Value) / Useful Life (years) Constant charge each year. Best for assets that are used evenly (e.g., furniture, fixtures).
Annual Depreciation = Net Book Value at Start of Year × Depreciation Rate (%) Higher charge in earlier years; reflects faster loss of value (e.g., vehicles, technology).
Net Book Value = Cost − Accumulated Depreciation (to date) Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
In Edexcel exam questions, begin each calculation by writing the formula. Even if you make an arithmetic error, you may still earn method marks.
If your trial balance doesn't balance, methodically check each account before moving on. Don't rush — accuracy matters in accounting.
When asked to comment on a ratio, always compare it to a previous year, a benchmark, or an industry standard. A number alone scores no marks.
Present income statements and balance sheets in the correct Edexcel format. Use past papers to familiarise yourself with the expected layout.
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
This page groups key Accounting formulas in one place for revision. Master Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Accounting (4AC1) with this 2026 formula sheet. Covers the accounting equation, income statement, balance sheet, ratio analysis, and depreciation methods. Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary in Accounting, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
Work through financial statements, ledger accounts, and ratio questions with an experienced Edexcel IGCSE Accounting tutor. We cover the full 4AC1 specification.
Pair this formula sheet with past papers, revision checklists, and planners — all free on our study tools hub.
This formula sheet aligns with Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Accounting (4AC1) specification content.
Always present financial statements in the correct format and include all formula workings in ratio questions.