The “thumb rule” of accounting is a colloquial term that refers to a simple guideline or heuristic used in accounting to quickly estimate or approximate financial figures or outcomes. It’s crucial to know that unlike the “golden rules” of accounting, which are fundamental principles guiding the recording of transactions, thumb rules are more like shortcuts or rough estimates that are not necessarily based on formal accounting principles or standards. They may vary depending on the context and application.

For example, some commonly cited thumb rules in accounting include…

1. Rule of 72 – This rule is used in finance rather than traditional accounting, but it’s often mentioned in financial discussions. It estimates the number of years it takes for an investment to double in value at a fixed annual rate of return. You divide 72 by the annual rate of return to get the approximate doubling time.

2. Current Ratio – A thumb rule for analyzing a company’s liquidity is to ensure that its current assets are at least twice the value of its current liabilities. This rule provides a quick assessment of whether a company can meet its short-term obligations.

3. Quick Ratio – Similar to the current ratio, a thumb rule for assessing liquidity is to ensure that a company’s quick assets (usually cash, marketable securities, and accounts receivable) are at least equal to its current liabilities. This provides a more stringent measure of liquidity compared to the current ratio.

4. Debt-to-Equity Ratio – A common thumb rule is that a company’s total debt should not exceed a certain multiple of its equity, such as 2:1 or 3:1, depending on the industry and other factors. This provides a rough indication of a company’s financial leverage.

While thumb rules can be useful for making quick assessments or estimations, they should be used cautiously and are not a substitute for thorough analysis using proper accounting principles and standards. Their applicability may vary depending on specific circumstances and industries.