What does a ratio express in accounting?

In accounting, a ratio expresses the relationship between one financial quantity and another, providing insights into the performance and financial health of an organization. Ratios enable analysts and stakeholders to compare different financial figures, allowing for an easier analysis of a company's efficiency, profitability, and liquidity.

For instance, using ratios such as the current ratio can help assess a company's ability to meet short-term obligations by comparing current assets to current liabilities. Similarly, analyzing the debt-to-equity ratio gives an indication of a company's financial leverage by comparing its total liabilities to shareholders' equity. Ratios can reveal trends over time or benchmark performance against industry standards, making them a vital tool in financial analysis and decision-making.

Other options do not accurately represent what a ratio expresses. Total worth, overall market value, and the difference between revenues and expenses each reflect specific financial metrics rather than the relationship illustrated through ratios. Thus, the clarity and comparative nature of ratios distinguish them as a fundamental aspect of accounting analysis.