What is Accounts Receivable (AR)?

Accounts receivable (AR) refers to the outstanding payments a company expects from its customers for goods or services delivered on credit. These receivables are recorded as current assets on the balance sheet and represent a key component of a company’s working capital.

When a business sells a product or service and allows the customer to pay later—typically within 30, 60, or 90 days—that unpaid invoice becomes part of AR. Managing AR is essential for maintaining healthy cash flow and ensuring a business has the liquidity needed to operate effectively.

How to Calculate Accounts Receivable

Calculating AR is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. List All Outstanding Invoices: Identify every invoice issued to customers that hasn’t yet been paid.
2. Sum the Invoice Amounts: Add together the total amounts of these invoices.

The formula for calculating Accounts Receivable is:

Accounts Receivable=∑(Outstanding Invoices)

For example, if a merchant has three outstanding invoices: $500, $300, and $200, the total  would be:

Accounts Receivable=500+300+200=1000

Why Accounts Receivable Matters

Monitoring AR helps businesses:

• Track expected cash inflows
• Identify payment delays
• Plan for short-term financial needs
• Maintain accurate financial records

Efficient AR management allows a business to optimize cash flow, reduce credit risks, and improve customer relationships by ensuring timely follow-ups and transparent billing practices.

In summary, accounts receivable is a vital financial indicator that reflects incoming revenue. Tracking AR regularly helps businesses maintain financial stability and make informed decisions to support growth.