Enter the cash flow from operating activities and the net income into the calculator to determine the quality of income ratio. This ratio helps assess the quality of a company’s earnings in relation to the cash generated from its operations.

Quality of Income Ratio Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the quality of income ratio:

QIR = CFO / NI

Variables:

  • QIR is the quality of income ratio
  • CFO is the cash flow from operating activities ($)
  • NI is the net income ($)

To calculate the quality of income ratio, divide the cash flow from operating activities by the net income.

What is a Quality of Income Ratio?

The quality of income ratio measures the proportion of income that is associated with cash or cash equivalents, indicating the ability of a company to turn its earnings into cash. A higher ratio suggests that a larger portion of a company’s income comes from its core business operations, which is generally seen as a positive indicator of financial health.

How to Calculate Quality of Income Ratio?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Quality of Income Ratio:


  1. First, determine the cash flow from operating activities (CFO).
  2. Next, determine the net income (NI).
  3. Use the formula QIR = CFO / NI.
  4. Finally, calculate the Quality of Income Ratio (QIR).
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Cash flow from operating activities (CFO) = $50,000

Net income (NI) = $30,000