What aspect does the working capital ratio measure?

The working capital ratio, also known as the current ratio, measures a company's short-term financial health. It is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. This ratio indicates whether a company has sufficient short-term assets to cover its short-term liabilities, which is crucial for day-to-day operations. A ratio greater than one suggests that a company can easily meet its obligations, while a ratio less than one may indicate potential liquidity problems. This focus on short-term assets and liabilities makes it an essential tool for evaluating a company's ability to manage its short-term financial commitments effectively, thereby providing insight into its operational efficiency and financial stability in the near term.