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Formula Vault Accounting Fundamentals
Accounting · Fundamentals

The Accounting Equation

The foundation of double-entry bookkeeping.

\text{Assets} = \text{Liabilities} + \text{Equity}

1What it means

Everything a business owns (assets) is funded either by what it owes (liabilities) or by the owners’ stake (equity). Both sides must always balance.

2Variables

SymbolMeaning
\text{Assets}What the business owns
\text{Liabilities}What the business owes
\text{Equity}Owners’ residual claim

3Worked examples

Example 1 Worked solution
Q. A business has ₹5,00,000 in assets and ₹2,00,000 in liabilities. Find equity.
  1. Assets = Liabilities + Equity.
  2. Equity = Assets − Liabilities.
  3. = 5,00,000 − 2,00,000.
✓ Equity = ₹3,00,000

4Where it's used

  • Building and checking a balance sheet.
  • Verifying that the books balance.

5Tips & common mistakes

  • !Every transaction keeps both sides equal.
  • !Equity is also called Capital or Owner’s Equity.