CIMA BA3 Formula Sheet
The key formulas for CIMA BA3 (Financial Accounting) on a single A4 page, free to download and print. Built to the paper's current examinable scope.
BA3 Formula Sheet · PDF · 1 page · A4 · print-ready
Download the BA3 formula sheetUpdated 25 September 2026: the sheet has been re-typeset with proper maths symbols, and the bank reconciliation and receivables control account lines are clearer. If you printed an earlier copy, please download it again.
The formulas on the BA3 sheet
The full sheet, reproduced as text so you can revise on screen. Last checked September 2026. Spotted an error? Report it and it will be corrected.
Accounting Equation
- Assets = Liabilities + Capital
- Closing capital = Opening capital + Profit − Drawings
- + Additional capital introduced in the period
Depreciation
- Straight-line = (Cost − Residual value) ÷ Useful life
- Reducing balance = NBV × Depreciation rate %
Profitability Ratios
- Gross profit margin = Gross profit ÷ Revenue × 100
- Net profit margin = Net profit ÷ Revenue × 100
- ROCE = PBIT ÷ Capital employed × 100
- PBIT = Profit before interest and tax
Liquidity Ratios
- Current ratio = Current assets ÷ Current liabilities
- Quick (acid test) ratio = (Current assets − Inventory) ÷ Current liabilities
Efficiency Ratios
- Inventory days = Inventory ÷ Cost of sales × 365
- Receivables days = Trade receivables ÷ Credit sales × 365
- Payables days = Trade payables ÷ Credit purchases × 365
Gearing
- Gearing ratio = Debt ÷ (Debt + Equity) × 100
- Interest cover = PBIT ÷ Interest expense
Bank Reconciliation
- Adjusted cash book = Cash book balance ± unrecorded items
- e.g. bank charges, interest, standing orders, dishonoured cheques
- Bank statement balance − unpresented cheques + outstanding lodgements
- = Adjusted cash book balance
Receivables Ledger Control Account
- Closing balance = Opening balance + Credit sales − Cash received − Discounts allowed − Irrecoverable debts written off + Dishonoured cheques
How to use it
A formula sheet is a revision aid, not a substitute for practice. Reading formulas builds recognition; applying them under time pressure builds recall, and it's recall the exam tests. The most effective way to use this sheet is alongside questions: attempt a question first, then check the sheet only when you're stuck, rather than working with it open in front of you.
Print it and keep it beside you while you work through BA3 questions. Once you stop reaching for it, you know the formulas are in place.
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This sheet is an original compilation of standard formulas mapped to CIMA BA3's current examinable scope. It is a revision aid only and is not a substitute for the official formulae and rates provided in your exam. Looking for another paper? See all CIMA formula sheets. GoQualified is not affiliated with CIMA.