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    1. Home
    2. CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet

    CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet (2026)

    Last updated 7 August 2026

    On this page

    Alternative Investments2Corporate Issuers8Derivatives12Economics6Equity Investments8Financial Statement Analysis17Fixed Income13Portfolio Management9Quantitative Methods53

    Topic

    Alternative Investments

    Alternative Investments formulas cover real estate valuation (cap rate, NOI), private equity (DPI, RVPI, TVPI), hedge fund fee structures, and commodity index returns.

    • Multiple of Invested Capital

      MOIC=Realized value+Unrealized valueTotal investmentMOIC = \frac{ \text{Realized value} + \text{Unrealized value} }{ \text{Total investment} }
      MOIC = (Realized + Unrealized) / Total investment

      Use when. Private equity / venture fund performance reporting.

      Total value / paid-in (TVPI). Tells you the headline "X times your money" of a PE fund.

      Variables

      Realized value
      Distributions / cash returned to LPs
      Unrealized value
      NAV of remaining investments
      Total investment
      Capital invested to date
    • Performance Fee (Hard Hurdle)

      Fee=max⁡[0,p×(r−r0)]\text{Fee} = \max[0, p \times (r - r_0)]
      Fee = max(0, p*(r - r0)) for hard hurdle

      Use when. Hedge fund / PE fee modelling.

      Hedge funds charge a performance fee on returns ABOVE the hurdle (hard hurdle only). Below the hurdle: no incentive fee.

      Variables

      p
      Performance fee rate (e.g. 20%)
      r
      Realised return
      r0r_0
      Hurdle rate

    Topic

    Corporate Issuers

    Corporate Issuers formulas include WACC, cost of equity (CAPM and DDM approaches), operating and financial leverage, and breakeven analysis.

    • Return on Invested Capital

      ROIC=After-tax net profitAvg. BV of invested capital=(1−t)×Operating profitAvg. (LT liabilities + Equity)ROIC = \frac{ \text{After-tax net profit} }{ \text{Avg. BV of invested capital} } = \frac{ (1 - t) \times \text{Operating profit} }{ \text{Avg. (LT liabilities + Equity)} }
      ROIC = After-tax profit / Avg invested capital

      Use when. Assessing whether management is creating value, not just generating accounting profit.

      Return earned on all capital deployed in the business, debt and equity alike. Compare to WACC: ROIC > WACC = creating value.

      Variables

      Invested capital
      Long-term debt + equity (avg)
      t
      Tax rate
    • Cash Conversion Cycle

      CCC=DOH+DSO−DPO\text{CCC} = \text{DOH} + \text{DSO} - \text{DPO}
      Cash conversion cycle = DOH + DSO - DPO

      Use when. Operating-efficiency comparisons across firms or across periods; a primary lever for working-capital management.

      How many days a firm's cash is locked up between paying suppliers and collecting from customers. A shorter cycle means less working capital tied up — better.

      Variables

      DOH
      Days of inventory on hand
      DSO
      Days of sales outstanding (receivables)
      DPO
      Days of payables outstanding
    • Current Ratio

      Current ratio=Current assetsCurrent liabilities\text{Current ratio} = \frac{ \text{Current assets} }{ \text{Current liabilities} }
      Current ratio = Current assets / Current liabilities

      Use when. First-pass liquidity check during credit analysis or fundamental screening. Industry-dependent — compare to peers, not to a universal benchmark.

      Can the company cover its next-12-month obligations using assets it expects to turn into cash within the next 12 months? Higher is safer but extremely high may indicate idle capital.

      Variables

      Current assets
      Cash, receivables, inventory, prepaids, etc.
      Current liabilities
      Obligations due within 12 months
    • Quick Ratio

      Quick ratio=Cash+Marketable securities+ReceivablesCurrent liabilities\text{Quick ratio} = \frac{ \text{Cash} + \text{Marketable securities} + \text{Receivables} }{ \text{Current liabilities} }
      Quick ratio = (Cash + Marketable securities + Receivables) / Current liabilities

      Use when. When inventory is large or hard to liquidate — common in retail, manufacturing, real estate development.

      Also called the acid-test ratio. Removes inventory (and prepaids) from the numerator — measures liquidity using only what can be turned into cash quickly. A stricter test than the current ratio.

      Variables

      Cash
      Cash and cash equivalents
      Marketable securities
      Short-term liquid investments
      Receivables
      Trade and other current receivables
      Current liabilities
      Obligations due within 12 months
    • Net Present Value

      NPV=∑t=1nCFt(1+r)t−OutlayNPV = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{ CF_t }{ (1+r)^t } - \text{Outlay}
      NPV = Sum CF_t/(1+r)^t - Outlay; accept if NPV > 0

      Use when. Investment decisions, M&A valuation, project ranking.

      Present-value-weighted profit from a project. Accept if NPV > 0 (project adds value). Strongest capital-budgeting criterion.

      Variables

      CFtCF_t
      Cash flow in period t
      r
      Discount rate (cost of capital)
      Outlay
      Initial investment (t = 0)
    • Weighted Average Cost of Capital

      WACC=wdrd(1−t)+wprp+wereWACC = w_d r_d (1-t) + w_p r_p + w_e r_e
      WACC = wd*rd*(1-t) + wp*rp + we*re

      Use when. Discount rate for DCF valuations, hurdle rate for accept/reject decisions on projects with the same risk as the firm, and as a proxy for the firm's marginal cost of capital.

      A firm finances assets with a mix of debt, preferred stock, and equity. WACC is the blended after-tax cost of that mix — the minimum return the firm must earn to satisfy all capital providers.

      Variables

      wd,wp,wew_d, w_p, w_e
      Weights of debt / preferred / equity— sum to 1
      rdr_d
      Pre-tax cost of debt
      rpr_p
      Cost of preferred stock
      rer_e
      Cost of equity— typically from CAPM
      t
      Marginal corporate tax rate
    • Cost of Equity (Modigliani-Miller)

      re=r0+(r0−rd)(1−t)DEr_e = r_0 + (r_0 - r_d)(1-t)\frac{D}{E}
      re = r0 + (r0 - rd)(1-t)(D/E) with taxes

      Use when. Estimating how a change in capital structure (e.g. a leveraged buyout, share buyback funded by debt) will move the cost of equity.

      MM Proposition II with taxes: adding debt makes equity riskier (financial leverage) so the required return on equity rises linearly with D/E. The (1−t) factor reflects the tax shield on interest payments.

      Variables

      rer_e
      Cost of equity (levered)
      r0r_0
      Cost of equity if unlevered (all-equity firm)
      rdr_d
      Cost of debt
      t
      Tax rate
      D/E
      Debt-to-equity ratio
    • Firm Value with Taxes

      VL=VU+tDV_L = V_U + tD
      V_L = V_U + t*D

      Use when. Capital structure theory; quantifying the tax-shield benefit of debt.

      MM Proposition I with taxes: debt creates value via the tax shield (interest is tax-deductible). Levered firm worth more than unlevered by t × D.

      Variables

      VLV_L
      Levered firm value
      VUV_U
      Unlevered firm value
      t
      Corporate tax rate
      D
      Market value of debt

    Topic

    Derivatives

    Derivatives formulas include put-call parity, binomial option pricing, Black-Scholes-Merton inputs, and forward/futures pricing relationships.

    • Forward Price (Benefits/Income and Costs)

      F0(T)=[S0+PV0(C)−PV0(I)](1+r)TorF0(T)=S0e(r−c)TF_0(T) = [S_0 + PV_0(C) - PV_0(I)](1+r)^T \quad \text{or} \quad F_0(T) = S_0 e^{(r-c)T}
      F0(T) = [S0 + PV(C) - PV(I)](1+r)^T or continuous: S0*e^((r-c)T)

      Use when. Pricing forwards on stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies.

      No-arbitrage forward price = spot, grown at the risk-free rate, with carry costs added and income subtracted.

      Variables

      S0S_0
      Spot price
      PV0(C)PV_0(C)
      PV of carry costs (storage etc.)
      PV0(I)PV_0(I)
      PV of income (dividends, coupons)
      r
      Risk-free rate
      c
      Continuous convenience / cost-of-carry yield
    • Currency Forward Price

      F0,A/B(T)=S0,A/Be(rA−rB)TF_{0,A/B}(T) = S_{0,A/B} e^{(r_A - r_B)T}
      F_A/B(T) = S_A/B * e^((rA - rB)*T)

      Use when. FX hedging, carry-trade analysis, valuing currency forwards.

      Covered interest-rate parity, continuous form. High-rate currency depreciates in forward; low-rate currency appreciates.

      Variables

      S0,A/BS_{0,A/B}
      Spot rate, A per B
      rA,rBr_A, r_B
      Risk-free rates in currencies A and B
      T
      Time to forward delivery
    • Forward Valuation

      V0(T)=S0−F0(T)(1+r)T,Vt(T)=St−F0(T)(1+r)T−tV_0(T) = S_0 - \frac{ F_0(T) }{ (1+r)^T } \quad , \quad V_t(T) = S_t - \frac{ F_0(T) }{ (1+r)^{T-t} }
      V0 = S0 - F0/(1+r)^T; Vt = St - F0/(1+r)^(T-t)

      Use when. Mark-to-market of an existing forward position.

      At initiation, no money changes hands so V_0 = 0 if priced correctly. Between initiation and maturity, value changes as spot moves vs locked-in forward price.

      Variables

      V0(T)V_0(T)
      Value of forward at initiation
      Vt(T)V_t(T)
      Value of forward at time t between initiation and maturity
      StS_t
      Spot at time t
      F0(T)F_0(T)
      Locked-in forward price
    • Implied Forward Rate

      IFRA,B−A=((1+zB)B(1+zA)A)1/(B−A)−1IFR_{A,B-A} = \left( \frac{ (1+z_B)^B }{ (1+z_A)^A } \right)^{1/(B-A)} - 1
      IFR = ((1+z_B)^B/(1+z_A)^A)^(1/(B-A)) - 1

      Use when. Yield-curve analysis; valuing forward rate agreements (FRAs).

      The rate the market implies for a future borrowing period, derived from current spot rates. Investing for A years and then rolling at IFR should equal investing for B years today.

      Variables

      zA,zBz_A, z_B
      Spot rates for A and B years
      IFR
      Implied forward rate from A to B
    • Interest Rate Futures Price

      fA,B−A=100−(100×MRRA,B−A)f_{A,B-A} = 100 - (100 \times MRR_{A,B-A})
      Futures price = 100 - 100*MRR

      Use when. Hedging short-term interest rate exposure; trading expectations of future short rates.

      Eurodollar/SOFR futures are quoted as 100 minus the rate. Higher rate → lower price. A 0.25% rate move = 25 bps × $25 per bp = $2,500 per contract.

      Variables

      MRR
      Market reference rate (e.g. SOFR)
      fA,B−Af_{A,B-A}
      Futures price
    • Swap Periodic Settlement

      Settlement=(MRR−Swap rate)×Notional×Period\text{Settlement} = (MRR - \text{Swap rate}) \times \text{Notional} \times \text{Period}
      Settlement = (MRR - Swap rate)*Notional*Period

      Use when. Valuing periodic cash flows of plain-vanilla interest-rate swaps.

      In an interest-rate swap, fixed and floating payments are netted each period. Sign depends on whether MRR > or < swap rate.

      Variables

      MRR
      Market reference rate at reset
      Swap rate
      Fixed rate of the swap
      Notional
      Notional principal
      Period
      Day-count fraction
    • Call Value at Expiry

      cT=max⁡[0,ST−X]c_T = \max[0, S_T - X]
      Call at expiry: cT = max(0, ST - X)

      Use when. Computing terminal payoffs of long call positions.

      Exercise only if S_T > X (otherwise let it expire worthless). The 'hockey-stick' payoff diagram.

      Variables

      cTc_T
      Call value at expiry
      STS_T
      Underlying price at expiry
      X
      Strike price
    • Put Value at Expiry

      pT=max⁡[0,X−ST]p_T = \max[0, X - S_T]
      Put at expiry: pT = max(0, X - ST)

      Use when. Terminal payoff of long puts; hedging downside; portfolio insurance.

      Exercise only if S_T < X. Mirror of the call payoff. Max value capped at X (when stock goes to zero).

      Variables

      pTp_T
      Put value at expiry
      X
      Strike price
      STS_T
      Underlying price at expiry
    • Call Lower Bound

      ct≥max⁡[0,St−X/(1+r)T−t]c_t \geq \max[0, S_t - X/(1+r)^{T-t}]
      ct >= max(0, St - X/(1+r)^(T-t))

      Use when. Identifying arbitrage opportunities in mispriced options; setting upper/lower bounds for option pricing models.

      A call must be worth at least its intrinsic value (S − X) discounted, otherwise arbitrage. Time value sits above this floor.

      Variables

      ctc_t
      European call value at time t
      StS_t
      Spot at t
      X
      Strike
      r
      Risk-free rate
      T − t
      Time remaining to expiry
    • Put-Call Parity

      c0+X(1+r)T=S0+p0c_0 + \frac{X}{(1+r)^T} = S_0 + p_0
      c0 + X/(1+r)^T = S0 + p0

      Use when. Pricing one option given the other plus the underlying; constructing synthetic positions (synthetic call, synthetic put, synthetic stock, synthetic risk-free bond); checking for arbitrage.

      Two portfolios with identical payoffs at expiry must cost the same today, or arbitrage exists. Long call + PV of strike ("fiduciary call") has the same expiry payoff as long stock + long put ("protective put").

      Variables

      c0c_0
      Call option premium today
      p0p_0
      Put option premium today
      S0S_0
      Underlying spot price today
      X
      Strike price
      r
      Risk-free rate
      T
      Time to expiration
    • Binomial Hedge Ratio

      h=cu−cdSu−Sdh = \frac{ c_u - c_d }{ S_u - S_d }
      h = (cu - cd)/(Su - Sd)

      Use when. Constructing a riskless hedge in a binomial tree (delta-hedging the option). Forms the basis of no-arbitrage option pricing.

      The fraction of a share you need to hold for every option written so the combined position is risk-free over the next period. The delta of the option in a one-step world.

      Variables

      h
      Hedge ratio (shares per option)
      cu,cdc_u, c_d
      Option value at up / down node
      Su,SdS_u, S_d
      Stock price at up / down node
    • Risk-Neutral Probability

      π=1+r−du−d,c0=πcu+(1−π)cd1+r\pi = \frac{ 1 + r - d }{ u - d } \quad , \quad c_0 = \frac{ \pi c_u + (1-\pi) c_d }{ 1 + r }
      pi = (1+r-d)/(u-d); c0 = (pi*cu + (1-pi)*cd)/(1+r)

      Use when. Pricing options on a binomial tree (one or multi-step). The same logic underlies Black-Scholes in continuous time.

      Under risk-neutral pricing we pretend everyone is indifferent to risk and discount expected payoffs at the risk-free rate. π is the synthetic probability that makes that pricing consistent — it is NOT the real-world probability.

      Variables

      π
      Risk-neutral probability of up-move
      u, d
      Up-move and down-move factors— d < 1 < u
      r
      Risk-free rate per period
      cu,cdc_u, c_d
      Call value at up / down node

    Topic

    Economics

    Economics formulas span micro and macroeconomics, including supply-demand analysis, GDP calculations, exchange rate parity conditions, and monetary/fiscal policy models.

    • Profit Maximization

      MR=MCMR = MC
      Marginal Revenue = Marginal Cost

      Use when. Output decisions for firms in any market structure (perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly).

      Produce one more unit as long as it adds more revenue than cost. Stop when they're equal — that's the profit-maximising quantity.

      Variables

      MR
      Marginal revenue (Δ revenue from one more unit)
      MC
      Marginal cost (Δ cost from one more unit)
    • Fiscal Multiplier

      Multiplier=11−MPC(1−t)\text{Multiplier} = \frac{1}{1 - MPC(1-t)}
      Fiscal multiplier = 1 / (1 - MPC(1-t))

      Use when. Estimating GDP impact of fiscal stimulus (or austerity).

      A government spending boost circulates through the economy as recipients spend their new income. Multiplier > 1 because each round of spending creates more income.

      Variables

      MPC
      Marginal propensity to consume
      t
      Tax rate
    • Real Exchange Rate

      Real ex. rateA/B=Nominal ex. rateA/B×CPIBCPIA\text{Real ex. rate}_{A/B} = \text{Nominal ex. rate}_{A/B} \times \frac{ CPI_B }{ CPI_A }
      Real exchange rate = Nominal rate * (CPI_B/CPI_A)

      Use when. Assessing currency competitiveness; PPP analysis.

      Strips out inflation differentials to show how many real (purchasing-power) units of A you get per unit of B.

      Variables

      NominalrateA/BNominal rate_{A/B}
      Units of A per unit of B
      CPIA,CPIBCPI_A, CPI_B
      Consumer price indices
    • Trade Balance

      X−M=(S−I)+(T−G)X - M = (S - I) + (T - G)
      Trade balance: X - M = (S - I) + (T - G)

      Use when. Macro framing of current-account deficits and surpluses.

      A country's trade balance equals private net savings plus government surplus. Trade deficits = excess domestic investment over savings.

      Variables

      X − M
      Net exports (trade balance)
      S − I
      Private savings minus investment
      T − G
      Government surplus (taxes minus spending)
    • Forward Exchange Rate

      FA/B(T)SA/B=1+iA1+iB\frac{ F_{A/B}(T) }{ S_{A/B} } = \frac{ 1 + i_A }{ 1 + i_B }
      Forward/Spot = (1+i_A)/(1+i_B)

      Use when. FX hedging, carry-trade analysis, valuing currency forwards.

      Interest-rate parity: forward rate equals spot times the ratio of interest factors. Otherwise arbitrage. Higher-rate currency trades at forward discount.

      Variables

      FA/B(T)F_{A/B}(T)
      Forward rate at horizon T
      SA/BS_{A/B}
      Spot rate
      iA,iBi_A, i_B
      Risk-free rates in currencies A and B
    • Cross-Rate

      SA/B=SA/C×SC/BS_{A/B} = S_{A/C} \times S_{C/B}
      S_A/B = S_A/C * S_C/B

      Use when. INR/EUR via USD; any pair that has no direct quote.

      Triangulate the exchange rate between A and B through a third currency C. Used heavily when one currency lacks a direct quote.

      Variables

      SA/BS_{A/B}
      Implied rate of A per B
      C
      Bridge / vehicle currency (often USD)

    Topic

    Equity Investments

    Equity valuation formulas cover the Dividend Discount Model (DDM), Free Cash Flow models, and relative valuation multiples like P/E, P/B, and EV/EBITDA.

    • Dividend Discount Model

      V0=∑t=1∞Dt(1+r)t=∑t=1nDt(1+r)t+Pn(1+r)nV_0 = \sum_{t=1}^{\infty} \frac{ D_t }{ (1+r)^t } = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{ D_t }{ (1+r)^t } + \frac{ P_n }{ (1+r)^n }
      V0 = Sum Dt/(1+r)^t; or finite + terminal Pn/(1+r)^n

      Use when. General DDM framework; building block for Gordon, two-stage, and H-models.

      A stock is worth the PV of all future dividends. For finite horizons, add a terminal value at the end.

      Variables

      V0V_0
      Intrinsic value today
      DtD_t
      Dividend in period t
      PnP_n
      Terminal stock price at horizon n
      r
      Required return on equity
    • Perpetual Preferred Stock

      V0=D0rV_0 = \frac{ D_0 }{ r }
      V0 = D0 / r

      Use when. Valuing perpetual preferred stock.

      Preferred shares pay a fixed dividend forever. Value = perpetuity of that dividend.

      Variables

      D0D_0
      Constant preferred dividend
      r
      Required return on the preferred
    • Gordon Growth Model

      V0=D0(1+g)r−g=D1r−g,g=(1−D/E)×ROEV_0 = \frac{ D_0(1+g) }{ r - g } = \frac{ D_1 }{ r - g } \quad , \quad g = (1 - D/E) \times ROE
      V0 = D1/(r-g); g = (1 - D/E)*ROE

      Use when. Estimating intrinsic value for stable, mature dividend payers (utilities, large banks, FMCG). Also for terminal-value calculations in two-stage DDMs.

      Values a mature, dividend-paying stock by treating it as a constantly growing perpetuity. The second equation gives g from fundamentals: the firm grows by retaining a fraction of earnings and reinvesting at its ROE.

      Variables

      V0V_0
      Intrinsic value of the equity today
      D0,D1D_0, D_1
      Most recent / next-year dividend
      r
      Required return on equity
      g
      Sustainable growth rate
      1 − D/E
      Retention ratio— = 1 − payout ratio
      ROE
      Return on equity
    • Forward P/E (Gordon)

      P0E1=D1/E1r−g\frac{ P_0 }{ E_1 } = \frac{ D_1/E_1 }{ r - g }
      P0/E1 = (D1/E1)/(r-g)

      Use when. Cross-check market P/E against fundamentals; relative valuation.

      Justified P/E derived from Gordon Growth. Higher payout, lower required return, higher growth → higher justified multiple.

      Variables

      D1/E1D_1 / E_1
      Forward payout ratio
      r
      Required return on equity
      g
      Constant growth rate
    • Enterprise Value

      EV=MV(Equity)+MV(Preferred)+MV(Debt)−(Cash+ST investments)EV = MV(\text{Equity}) + MV(\text{Preferred}) + MV(\text{Debt}) - (\text{Cash} + \text{ST investments})
      EV = MV(Equity) + MV(Pref) + MV(Debt) - Cash - ST investments

      Use when. EV/EBITDA, EV/Sales multiples; M&A pricing.

      What it would cost to acquire the entire business — pay off all capital providers, then keep the cash on hand. EV is capital-structure neutral.

      Variables

      MV(Equity)
      Market cap = price × shares
      MV(Debt)
      Market value of debt
      Cash
      Cash and short-term liquid investments
    • Price Return (Single Period)

      PRi=Pi,1−Pi,0Pi,0,PRI=∑i=1nwiPRiPR_i = \frac{ P_{i,1} - P_{i,0} }{ P_{i,0} } \quad , \quad PR_I = \sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i PR_i
      PR_i = (P_i,1 - P_i,0)/P_i,0; Index PR = Sum wi*PRi

      Use when. Reporting period-over-period price moves.

      Price-only return (ignores dividends). Most stock indices reported in media (Sensex headline) are price-return indices.

      Variables

      PRiPR_i
      Price return of constituent i
      Pi,0,Pi,1P_{i,0}, P_{i,1}
      Start / end prices
      wiw_i
      Constituent weight in index
    • Total Return (Single Period)

      TRi=Pi,1−Pi,0+InciPi,0,TRI=∑i=1nwiTRiTR_i = \frac{ P_{i,1} - P_{i,0} + Inc_i }{ P_{i,0} } \quad , \quad TR_I = \sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i TR_i
      TR_i = (P_i,1 - P_i,0 + Inc_i)/P_i,0

      Use when. Performance measurement, fund returns, true long-term equity returns.

      Total return = price change + income, expressed as % of starting price. Reflects the full investor experience including dividends.

      Variables

      TRiTR_i
      Total return of constituent i
      InciInc_i
      Dividend / income received in period
    • Leverage Ratio

      Leverage ratio=PositionEquity,Max initial=1Initial margin\text{Leverage ratio} = \frac{ \text{Position} }{ \text{Equity} } \quad , \quad \text{Max initial} = \frac{1}{ \text{Initial margin} }
      Leverage = Position/Equity; Max initial = 1/Initial margin

      Use when. Margin investing, derivatives, hedge fund risk analysis.

      How many rupees of exposure per rupee of own money. Margin trading with 50% initial margin gives 2× leverage.

      Variables

      Position
      Total value of position
      Equity
      Own capital invested
      Initial margin
      Fraction of position funded by investor

    Topic

    Financial Statement Analysis

    Financial Statement Analysis (FSA) carries one of the highest topic weights. Key formulas include profitability, liquidity, solvency, and activity ratios, plus LIFO-FIFO adjustments and DuPont decomposition.

    • Basic EPS

      Basic EPS=Net income−Preferred dividendsWeighted avg. shares outstanding\text{Basic EPS} = \frac{ \text{Net income} - \text{Preferred dividends} }{ \text{Weighted avg. shares outstanding} }
      Basic EPS = (NI - Preferred dividends) / Weighted avg shares

      Use when. Earnings per share reporting; per-share comparisons over time and across companies.

      Earnings per common share available to common stockholders. Strip out preferred dividends (which belong to preferred holders).

      Variables

      NI
      Net income
      Preferred dividends
      Cumulative preferred dividends
      WAvg shares
      Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    • Free Cash Flow to Firm

      FCFF=NI+NCC+I(1−t)−FCI−WCIorFCFF=CFO+I(1−t)−FCIFCFF = NI + NCC + I(1-t) - FCI - WCI \quad \text{or} \quad FCFF = CFO + I(1-t) - FCI
      FCFF = NI + NCC + I(1-t) - FCI - WCI

      Use when. Enterprise-value DCF; valuing a firm independent of its capital structure.

      Cash flow available to ALL capital providers (debt + equity) after operating needs and capex. The cash the business actually generates for investors.

      Variables

      NI
      Net income
      NCC
      Non-cash charges (depreciation, amortisation)
      I
      Interest expense
      t
      Tax rate
      FCI
      Fixed capital investment (capex)
      WCI
      Working capital investment
      CFO
      Cash flow from operations
    • Free Cash Flow to Equity

      FCFE=CFO−FCI+Net borrowingFCFE = CFO - FCI + \text{Net borrowing}
      FCFE = CFO - FCI + Net borrowing

      Use when. Equity DCF valuation; computing intrinsic share value.

      Cash flow available to equity holders only — after debt service and after reinvestment.

      Variables

      CFO
      Cash from operations
      FCI
      Fixed capital investment
      Net borrowing
      New debt − repayments
    • Straight-Line Depreciation

      Depreciation=Cost−SalvageUseful life\text{Depreciation} = \frac{ \text{Cost} - \text{Salvage} }{ \text{Useful life} }
      Depreciation = (Cost - Salvage) / Useful life

      Use when. Most non-tax financial reporting; standard accounting practice.

      Spreads the depreciable amount evenly over the asset's useful life. Simplest method, most commonly used for financial reporting.

      Variables

      Cost
      Acquisition cost
      Salvage
      Estimated residual value
      Useful life
      Years over which asset is depreciated
    • Double-Declining Balance

      Depreciationt=Book valuetDepreciable life×2\text{Depreciation}_t = \frac{ \text{Book value}_t }{ \text{Depreciable life} } \times 2
      DDB: Depreciation = (Book value / Life) * 2

      Use when. Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes; assets that lose value disproportionately early.

      Accelerated method: charges more depreciation in early years (book value × 2/life), less later. Matches assets that lose value faster up front (cars, IT equipment).

      Variables

      BookvaluetBook value_t
      Beginning-of-period book value
      Life
      Useful life in years
    • Total Asset Turnover

      RevenueAverage total assets\frac{ \text{Revenue} }{ \text{Average total assets} }
      Total asset turnover = Revenue / Avg total assets

      Use when. Efficiency analysis; one of the three DuPont components.

      How efficiently the firm generates sales from its assets. Higher = each rupee of assets produces more revenue.

      Variables

      Revenue
      Net sales
      Avg total assets
      Average of beginning and ending total assets
    • Inventory Turnover

      COGSAverage inventory\frac{ \text{COGS} }{ \text{Average inventory} }
      Inventory turnover = COGS / Avg inventory

      Use when. Activity / operating-efficiency analysis, particularly for retailers, manufacturers, and consumer-goods firms. Pair with days-of-inventory-on-hand for the time interpretation.

      How many times in a year a company sells through its inventory. Higher means inventory is moving fast (good); too high may indicate stockouts.

      Variables

      COGS
      Cost of goods sold
      Average inventory
      Average of beginning and ending inventory
    • Days of Inventory on Hand

      365Inventory turnover\frac{365}{ \text{Inventory turnover} }
      Days inventory = 365 / Inventory turnover

      Use when. Estimating working-capital requirements; an input to the Cash Conversion Cycle.

      The time interpretation of inventory turnover: roughly how many days of selling activity the firm has tied up in inventory at any moment.

      Variables

      365
      Days in a year
      Inventory turnover
      COGS / Avg inventory
    • Receivables Turnover

      Annual salesAverage receivables\frac{ \text{Annual sales} }{ \text{Average receivables} }
      Receivables turnover = Annual sales / Avg receivables

      Use when. Working-capital and credit-policy analysis.

      How many times per year the firm collects its outstanding credit sales. Higher = better credit control.

      Variables

      Sales
      Annual credit sales (or net sales)
      Avg receivables
      Average accounts receivable
    • Days of Sales Outstanding

      365Receivables turnover\frac{365}{ \text{Receivables turnover} }
      DSO = 365 / Receivables turnover

      Use when. Time-based working-capital analysis.

      Average number of days it takes to collect on credit sales. Component of Cash Conversion Cycle.

      Variables

      365
      Days in a year
      Receivables turnover
      Sales / Avg receivables
    • Debt-to-Equity

      Total debtTotal shareholders’ equity\frac{ \text{Total debt} }{ \text{Total shareholders' equity} }
      Debt-to-equity = Total debt / Total equity

      Use when. Solvency / leverage analysis; credit risk assessment.

      How much debt the company carries per rupee of equity. Higher = more leverage = more financial risk.

      Variables

      Total debt
      Long-term + short-term debt
      Total equity
      Common + preferred + retained earnings
    • Interest Coverage

      EBITInterest payments\frac{ EBIT }{ \text{Interest payments} }
      Interest coverage = EBIT / Interest payments

      Use when. Credit analysis, bond covenants, default risk screening.

      How many times the firm could pay its interest from its operating earnings. Higher = safer for bondholders.

      Variables

      EBIT
      Earnings before interest and taxes
      Interest payments
      Periodic interest expense
    • ROE (DuPont)

      ROE=NIAssets×AssetsEquity=ROA×LeverageROE = \frac{ NI }{ \text{Assets} } \times \frac{ \text{Assets} }{ \text{Equity} } = \text{ROA} \times \text{Leverage}
      ROE = ROA * Leverage = (NI/Revenue)*(Revenue/Assets)*(Assets/Equity)

      Use when. When two companies have the same ROE but you want to know whether it's driven by margins, efficiency, or leverage. Also useful for tracking changes in a single company's ROE over time.

      Decomposes return on equity into three drivers: how much profit per rupee of sales, how much sales per rupee of assets, and how much the firm has levered its equity. Lets you trace ROE changes back to the underlying business lever.

      Variables

      NI
      Net income
      NI / Revenue
      Net profit margin— profitability
      Revenue / Assets
      Asset turnover— efficiency
      Assets / Equity
      Financial leverage
    • Operating Income

      Operating income=[Q×(P−VC)]−FC\text{Operating income} = [Q \times (P - VC)] - FC
      Operating income = Q*(P - VC) - FC

      Use when. Breakeven analysis, sensitivity analysis, what-if questions on volume / pricing.

      Contribution margin per unit (P − VC) × units, minus fixed costs. The mechanical link between sales volume and operating profit.

      Variables

      Q
      Units sold
      P
      Price per unit
      VC
      Variable cost per unit
      FC
      Fixed cost (total)
    • Degree of Operating Leverage

      DOL=%ΔOperating income%ΔSalesDOL = \frac{ \% \Delta \text{Operating income} }{ \% \Delta \text{Sales} }
      DOL = % change Operating income / % change Sales

      Use when. Cyclicality analysis; identifying companies that will swing hard with the economy.

      Sensitivity of operating income to a change in sales. Driven by fixed cost — high fixed cost → high DOL → operating leverage.

      Variables

      % Δ Operating income
      Percent change in operating income
      % Δ Sales
      Percent change in sales
    • Degree of Financial Leverage

      DFL=%ΔNet income%ΔOperating incomeDFL = \frac{ \% \Delta \text{Net income} }{ \% \Delta \text{Operating income} }
      DFL = % change NI / % change Operating income

      Use when. Capital structure analysis; understanding earnings volatility.

      Sensitivity of net income to operating income changes. Driven by debt (fixed interest). More debt → higher DFL.

      Variables

      % Δ NI
      Percent change in net income
      % Δ Operating income
      Percent change in operating income (EBIT)
    • Degree of Total Leverage

      DTL=DFL×DOLDTL = DFL \times DOL
      DTL = DFL * DOL

      Use when. Equity-risk assessment for highly cyclical and leveraged firms.

      Combined sensitivity of net income to sales. DTL = 5 means a 10% sales rise becomes a 50% net income rise.

      Variables

      DOL
      Degree of operating leverage
      DFL
      Degree of financial leverage

    Topic

    Fixed Income

    Fixed Income formulas address bond pricing, yield measures (YTM, current yield, spread), duration, convexity, and term-structure models essential for the CFA exam.

    • Bond PV (Market Discount Rate)

      PV=PMT(1+r)1+⋯+PMT+FV(1+r)nPV = \frac{ PMT }{ (1+r)^1 } + \cdots + \frac{ PMT + FV }{ (1+r)^n }
      PV = Sum PMT/(1+r)^t + FV/(1+r)^n

      Use when. Bond pricing given YTM; calculating clean prices.

      A bond is the sum of present values of all coupon payments plus the final principal repayment.

      Variables

      PMT
      Periodic coupon payment
      FV
      Face value (paid at maturity)
      r
      Periodic discount rate (YTM)
      n
      Periods to maturity
    • Full Price and Accrued Interest

      PVfull=PVflat+AI=PV(1+r)t/T,AI=(t/T)×PMTPV_{full} = PV_{flat} + AI = PV(1+r)^{t/T} \quad , \quad AI = (t/T) \times PMT
      Full price = Flat + AI; AI = (t/T)*PMT

      Use when. Pricing bonds traded between coupon dates; settlement calculations.

      Bonds trade between coupon dates. The buyer pays the seller for interest accrued so far — that's the accrued interest, added to the quoted clean price.

      Variables

      PVfullPV_full
      Dirty price (what you pay)
      PVflatPV_flat
      Clean price (quoted)
      AI
      Accrued interest
      t/T
      Fraction of period since last coupon
    • Current Yield

      Annual couponFlat price\frac{ \text{Annual coupon} }{ \text{Flat price} }
      Current yield = Annual coupon / Flat price

      Use when. Quick income comparisons; sales-pitch yield.

      Simple income yield. Like a dividend yield for bonds, but ignores capital gains/losses to maturity.

      Variables

      Annual coupon
      Total coupon income per year
      Flat price
      Clean / quoted price
    • Yield to Worst

      YTW=min⁡[YTC,YTM]YTW = \min[YTC, YTM]
      Yield to worst = min(YTC, YTM)

      Use when. Valuing callable bonds; conservative yield reporting.

      For callable bonds, the issuer will redeem when it benefits them — bad for investors. YTW captures the worst-case outcome.

      Variables

      YTC
      Yield to call (computed for each call date)
      YTM
      Yield to maturity
    • Z-Spread

      PV=∑PMT(1+zt+Z)t+FV(1+zn+Z)nPV = \sum \frac{ PMT }{ (1 + z_t + Z)^t } + \frac{ FV }{ (1 + z_n + Z)^n }
      PV = Sum PMT/(1+zt+Z)^t + FV/(1+zn+Z)^n (trial and error for Z)

      Use when. Credit spread analysis for option-free bonds.

      The constant spread you add to every spot rate so the discounted cash flows equal the bond's market price. Captures credit + liquidity premium over the risk-free curve.

      Variables

      ztz_t
      Spot rate at maturity t
      Z
      Z-spread (constant additive)
      PMT, FV
      Coupon and face value
    • Option-Adjusted Spread

      OAS=Z-spread−Option value (bps)OAS = Z\text{-spread} - \text{Option value (bps)}
      OAS = Z-spread - Option value in bps

      Use when. Relative-value analysis of bonds with embedded options (callables, putables, MBS).

      Strips the embedded-option value out of the Z-spread, leaving pure credit + liquidity compensation. The right spread to compare a callable bond against an option-free benchmark.

      Variables

      Z-spread
      Constant spread over spot curve
      Option value
      Value of embedded option in bps
    • Macaulay Duration

      DMac=1+rr−1+r+n(c−r)c[(1+r)n−1]+r−tTD_{Mac} = \frac{1+r}{r} - \frac{1 + r + n(c-r)}{ c[(1+r)^n - 1] + r } - \frac{t}{T}
      Macaulay duration formula (r=YTM, c=coupon rate, n=periods, t/T=accrued)

      Use when. Comparing the interest-rate sensitivity timeline of bonds. Almost always a stepping-stone to Modified Duration for hedging and price-change estimation.

      The weighted-average time (in years or periods) until the bondholder receives back the present-value-weighted cash flows. Acts as the 'effective maturity' of the bond's cash flows.

      Variables

      r
      Yield to maturity per period· decimal
      c
      Periodic coupon rate· decimal
      n
      Periods to maturity
      t/T
      Fraction of period since last coupon
    • Modified Duration

      ModDur=DMac1+r,%ΔPVfull≈−ModDur×ΔYieldModDur = \frac{ D_{Mac} }{ 1 + r } \quad , \quad \% \Delta PV_{full} \approx - ModDur \times \Delta Yield
      ModDur = MacDur/(1+r); % change PV ≈ -ModDur * delta Yield

      Use when. Estimating bond price change for small yield moves, immunising a portfolio, computing dollar duration for hedging.

      The slope: for a 1% change in yield, a bond's price changes by roughly Modified Duration percent (in the opposite direction). Direct measure of interest-rate sensitivity.

      Variables

      DMacD_Mac
      Macaulay duration
      r
      Yield per period
      ΔYield
      Change in yield· decimal
      %ΔPV
      Approximate % change in bond price
    • Convexity Adjustment

      %ΔPV≈−DMod×ΔYTM+12×Conv×(ΔYTM)2\% \Delta PV \approx -D_{Mod} \times \Delta YTM + \frac{1}{2} \times Conv \times (\Delta YTM)^2
      % delta PV ≈ -ModDur*delta YTM + (1/2)*Convexity*(delta YTM)^2

      Use when. Whenever the yield change is larger than ~50 bps, or whenever you want a more accurate hedge calculation.

      Duration assumes the price–yield relationship is a straight line; in reality it is curved (convex). Convexity adds the second-order correction so the estimate works for larger yield changes.

      Variables

      DModD_Mod
      Modified duration
      Conv
      Convexity— curvature measure
      ΔYTM
      Change in yield to maturity· decimal
    • Effective Duration

      EffDur=PV−−PV+2×ΔCurve×PV0EffDur = \frac{ PV_- - PV_+ }{ 2 \times \Delta Curve \times PV_0 }
      EffDur = (PV- - PV+)/(2*delta Curve*PV0)

      Use when. Mortgage-backed securities, callable bonds, any bond whose cash flows are interest-rate-dependent.

      Numerical (shock-based) duration. Captures price sensitivity for bonds where cash flows depend on yields (callable, MBS).

      Variables

      PV−PV_−
      Price after yield curve shifts DOWN by Δ
      PV+PV_+
      Price after yield curve shifts UP by Δ
      PV0PV_0
      Current price
      ΔCurve
      Magnitude of parallel curve shift
    • Repo Price

      Repo price=Purchase price×(1+Repo rate×Days360)\text{Repo price} = \text{Purchase price} \times \left( 1 + \text{Repo rate} \times \frac{ \text{Days} }{ 360 } \right)
      Repo price = Purchase price * (1 + Repo rate * Days/360)

      Use when. Money-market funding, short-term financing for bond dealers.

      Repo = sell now and buy back later. Repo price = purchase price plus interest at the repo rate over the term. Day-count uses 360.

      Variables

      Purchase price
      Initial sale price of bond
      Repo rate
      Annualised interest charged
      Days
      Term of repo agreement
    • Expected Loss (Credit)

      E[Loss]=P(Default)×Loss severity,Loss severity=1−Recovery rateE[Loss] = P(\text{Default}) \times \text{Loss severity} \quad , \quad \text{Loss severity} = 1 - \text{Recovery rate}
      E[Loss] = P(Default)*Loss severity; Loss severity = 1 - Recovery rate

      Use when. Pricing credit risk, computing credit spreads, loan-loss provisioning.

      Probability of default × loss when it happens. Foundation of credit-risk modelling.

      Variables

      P(Default)
      Probability of default
      Loss severity
      Loss given default (LGD)
      Recovery rate
      Fraction of face recovered after default
    • Debt Service Coverage (CMBS)

      DSC=NOIDebt service,NOI=Rental income−Cash operating expense−Replacement reservesDSC = \frac{ NOI }{ \text{Debt service} } \quad , \quad NOI = \text{Rental income} - \text{Cash operating expense} - \text{Replacement reserves}
      DSC = NOI / Debt service

      Use when. Commercial mortgage credit analysis; underwriting CRE loans.

      How many times the property's operating income covers its debt service. DSC > 1.2 = adequate margin of safety.

      Variables

      NOI
      Net operating income
      Debt service
      Periodic interest + principal payments

    Topic

    Portfolio Management

    Portfolio Management formulas encompass the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio, Jensen's alpha, and mean-variance optimisation.

    • Beta

      βi=Cov(Ri,RM)σM2=ρi,MσiσM\beta_i = \frac{ \text{Cov}(R_i, R_M) }{ \sigma_M^2 } = \rho_{i,M} \frac{ \sigma_i }{ \sigma_M }
      Beta = Cov(Ri,RM)/sigma_M^2 = rho*sigma_i/sigma_M

      Use when. As the systematic-risk input for CAPM, Treynor ratio, Jensen alpha, and equity risk-premium adjustments.

      How much an asset's returns swing relative to the market. β = 1 moves with the market; β > 1 amplifies; β < 1 dampens; β < 0 moves opposite.

      Variables

      βiβ_i
      Beta of asset i
      Cov(Ri,RM)Cov(R_i, R_M)
      Covariance of asset and market returns
      σM2σ_M^2
      Variance of market returns
      ρi,Mρ_{i,M}
      Correlation between asset and market
      σi,σMσ_i, σ_M
      Std dev of asset / market
    • Utility Function

      U=E(r)−12Aσ2U = E(r) - \frac{1}{2} A \sigma^2
      U = E(r) - (1/2)*A*sigma^2; A > 0 risk averse

      Use when. Mean-variance optimisation; portfolio selection from the efficient frontier.

      Quadratic utility: investors like return but dislike variance. Higher A means risk hurts more. The utility-maximising portfolio depends on A.

      Variables

      U
      Investor utility
      E(r)
      Expected return
      A
      Risk-aversion coefficient— 0 = neutral; higher = more averse
      σ²
      Variance of returns
    • Capital Allocation Line

      E(Rp)=Rf+E[Ri]−RfσiσpE(R_p) = R_f + \frac{ E[R_i] - R_f }{ \sigma_i } \sigma_p
      E(Rp) = Rf + ((E[Ri]-Rf)/sigma_i)*sigma_p

      Use when. Asset-allocation lectures; understanding how cash + risky portfolio combine.

      Straight line of return-risk combinations available by mixing the risk-free asset with a chosen risky portfolio i. Slope = Sharpe ratio of i.

      Variables

      E(Rp)E(R_p)
      Expected portfolio return
      RfR_f
      Risk-free rate
      E[Ri]−RfE[R_i] − R_f
      Risk premium on chosen risky asset / portfolio
      σi,σpσ_i, σ_p
      Std dev of risky asset and chosen portfolio
    • Capital Market Line

      E(Rp)=Rf+E[RM]−RfσMσpE(R_p) = R_f + \frac{ E[R_M] - R_f }{ \sigma_M } \sigma_p
      CML: E(Rp) = Rf + ((E[RM]-Rf)/sigma_M)*sigma_p

      Use when. Defining the efficient frontier with a risk-free asset; foundation of CAPM.

      The CAL that dominates all others: when everyone holds the market portfolio. Slope is the Sharpe ratio of the market itself.

      Variables

      E(RM)−RfE(R_M) − R_f
      Market risk premium
      σMσ_M
      Std dev of market
      σpσ_p
      Std dev of portfolio (on CML)
    • CAPM

      E(Ri)=Rf+βi[E(RM)−Rf]E(R_i) = R_f + \beta_i [E(R_M) - R_f]
      E(Ri) = Rf + beta_i*(E(RM) - Rf)

      Use when. Estimating the cost of equity for a public company, finding the discount rate for DCF, or producing a benchmark return for performance evaluation (Jensen alpha).

      Investors expect compensation only for systematic (market) risk because they can diversify away the rest. CAPM prices an asset's required return as the risk-free rate plus its share of the market risk premium.

      Variables

      E(Ri)E(R_i)
      Expected return on asset i
      RfR_f
      Risk-free rate
      βiβ_i
      Asset i's beta— sensitivity to market returns
      E(RM)−RfE(R_M) − R_f
      Market risk premium
    • Sharpe Ratio

      Rp−Rfσp\frac{ R_p - R_f }{ \sigma_p }
      Sharpe = (Rp - Rf) / sigma_p

      Use when. Ranking portfolios when total risk (not just systematic risk) matters — e.g. comparing standalone investment options that are not already diversified.

      Excess return per unit of total risk. Higher is better. Lets you compare portfolios with different risk levels on an apples-to-apples basis.

      Variables

      RpR_p
      Portfolio return
      RfR_f
      Risk-free rate— India: 91-day T-bill ~7%
      σpσ_p
      Standard deviation of portfolio returns
    • Treynor Ratio

      Rp−Rfβp\frac{ R_p - R_f }{ \beta_p }
      Treynor = (Rp - Rf) / beta_p

      Use when. Comparing portfolios that are already components of a larger, well-diversified portfolio. There, only beta matters because idiosyncratic risk has been diversified away.

      Excess return per unit of systematic (non-diversifiable) risk. Same idea as Sharpe but uses beta instead of standard deviation.

      Variables

      RpR_p
      Portfolio return
      RfR_f
      Risk-free rate
      βpβ_p
      Portfolio beta— systematic risk
    • Jensen's Alpha

      α=Rp−[Rf+βp(RM−Rf)]\alpha = R_p - [R_f + \beta_p (R_M - R_f)]
      Jensen's alpha = Rp - (Rf + beta_p*(RM - Rf))

      Use when. Evaluating active manager skill. Use when you have a benchmark and a CAPM beta estimate.

      Actual return minus what CAPM said the portfolio should have earned given its beta. Positive alpha = manager added value beyond the market. Negative = manager underperformed risk-adjusted expectation.

      Variables

      α
      Jensen's alpha — abnormal return
      RpR_p
      Realized portfolio return
      RfR_f
      Risk-free rate
      βpβ_p
      Portfolio beta
      RMR_M
      Market return
    • M-Squared

      M2=(Rp−Rf)σMσp+RfM^2 = (R_p - R_f) \frac{ \sigma_M }{ \sigma_p } + R_f
      M^2 = (Rp - Rf)*(sigma_M/sigma_p) + Rf

      Use when. Performance comparison; communicating Sharpe-equivalent returns to a non-technical audience.

      Sharpe ratio reinterpreted as a return: 'what return would I have earned if the portfolio had market-level risk?' Allows ranking portfolios on a common-risk basis.

      Variables

      Rp,RfR_p, R_f
      Portfolio and risk-free returns
      σp,σMσ_p, σ_M
      Std dev of portfolio and market

    Topic

    Quantitative Methods

    Quantitative Methods covers time value of money (TVM), descriptive statistics, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and linear regression — foundational formulas used throughout the CFA curriculum.

    • Nominal Risk-free Rate

      (1+rnom)=(1+rreal)(1+π)⇒rnom≈rreal+π(1 + r_{nom}) = (1 + r_{real})(1 + \pi) \quad \Rightarrow \quad r_{nom} \approx r_{real} + \pi
      (1 + Nominal risk-free rate) = (1 + Real risk-free rate)(1 + Inflation premium); Nominal risk-free rate ≈ Real risk-free rate + Inflation premium

      Use when. Converting between nominal and real rates; comparing rates across high- and low-inflation regimes.

      Fisher relation: the nominal rate compensates lenders for both real time-value-of-money and expected inflation.

      Variables

      rnomr_nom
      Nominal risk-free rate
      rrealr_real
      Real (inflation-adjusted) risk-free rate
      π
      Expected inflation rate
    • Holding Period Return

      R=P1−P0P0+IP0orR=[(1+R1)(1+R2)…(1+Rn)]−1R = \frac{P_1 - P_0}{P_0} + \frac{I}{P_0} \quad \text{or} \quad R = [(1+R_1)(1+R_2)\ldots(1+R_n)] - 1
      R = (P1 - P0)/P0 + I/P0; or multi-period: R = [(1+R1)(1+R2)...(1+Rn)] - 1

      Use when. Single-period return calculations; chaining sub-period returns into a cumulative figure.

      Total return = capital gain + income, expressed as a fraction of starting price. For multi-period returns, chain-link (compound) each sub-period.

      Variables

      P0,P1P_0, P_1
      Price at beginning / end of period
      I
      Income (dividend, coupon) during the period
      RiR_i
      Single-period return
    • Arithmetic Mean Return

      RˉAM=∑i=1nRin\bar{R}_{AM} = \frac{\sum_{i=1}^{n} R_i}{n}
      Arithmetic mean return = (Sum of returns) / n

      Use when. Forecasting next-period expected return.

      Simple average of period returns. Best estimate of return for a single future period (unbiased estimator).

      Variables

      RiR_i
      Return in period i
      n
      Number of periods
    • Geometric Mean Return

      RGM=∏i=1n(1+Ri)n−1R_{GM} = \sqrt[n]{\prod_{i=1}^{n}(1+R_i)} - 1
      Geometric mean return = (Product of (1+Ri))^(1/n) - 1

      Use when. Measuring actual realised performance of an investment over multiple periods.

      The constant per-period rate that, compounded over n periods, would produce the same total ending value. The 'true' historical return for a buy-and-hold investor.

      Variables

      RiR_i
      Period return
      n
      Number of periods
    • Harmonic Mean Return (Cost Averaging)

      XˉH=n∑i=1n1Xi\bar{X}_H = \frac{n}{\sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1}{X_i}}
      Harmonic mean = n / (Sum of 1/Xi); If returns volatile: Arithmetic > Geometric > Harmonic; (Arithmetic)(Harmonic) = (Geometric)^2

      Use when. Average cost per share under SIP / dollar-cost averaging; averaging P/E ratios.

      Used when averaging rates over a constant cost (dollar-cost averaging). Buying a fixed rupee amount each period averages purchase price at the harmonic mean.

      Variables

      XiX_i
      Observed value (e.g. price paid)
      n
      Number of observations
    • Future Value and Present Value

      FVn=PV(1+r)n⇔PV=FVn(1+r)nFV_n = PV(1+r)^n \quad \Leftrightarrow \quad PV = \frac{FV_n}{(1+r)^n}
      FV = PV(1+r)^n; PV = FV/(1+r)^n

      Use when. Any single-cash-flow time value of money question with annual (or matched-period) compounding.

      Money grows by a factor of (1+r) each period. Present value just runs that forward equation in reverse to discount a future amount back to today.

      Variables

      PV
      Present value— amount today
      FV
      Future value— amount after n periods
      r
      Periodic interest rate· decimal
      n
      Number of compounding periods
    • FV/PV with Periodic Compounding

      FVn=PV(1+rsm)mT⇔PV=FVn(1+rsm)mTFV_n = PV\left(1+\frac{r_s}{m}\right)^{mT} \quad \Leftrightarrow \quad PV = \frac{FV_n}{\left(1+\frac{r_s}{m}\right)^{mT}}
      FV = PV(1 + rs/m)^(mT); PV = FV/(1 + rs/m)^(mT)

      Use when. TVM problem where the compounding frequency differs from once-a-year (e.g. quarterly, monthly, semi-annual bonds).

      When interest is compounded more often than once a year, the effective return on the investment rises slightly. The formula adjusts the rate down to per-period (r/m) and the exponent up to total periods (m×T).

      Variables

      rsr_s
      Stated annual rate· decimal
      m
      Compounding periods per year
      T
      Number of years
      PV
      Present value
      FV
      Future value
    • Continuously Compounded Returns

      FVT=PV⋅erccTFV_T = PV \cdot e^{r_{cc}T}
      FV = PV * e^(r_cc * T)

      Use when. Option pricing, log returns, theoretical finance models.

      The limit of periodic compounding as the number of periods per year goes to infinity. Used heavily in derivatives pricing (Black-Scholes).

      Variables

      rccr_cc
      Continuously compounded rate (force of interest)
      T
      Time in years
      e
      Euler's number ≈ 2.71828
    • Real Returns

      (1+Real return)=(1+rnom)(1+Risk premium)1+Inflation premium(1 + \text{Real return}) = \frac{(1 + r_{nom})(1 + \text{Risk premium})}{1 + \text{Inflation premium}}
      (1 + Real return) = (1 + r_nom)(1 + Risk premium) / (1 + Inflation premium)

      Use when. Cross-country comparisons, long-horizon retirement planning where inflation matters.

      Strip out inflation from the nominal return to see real purchasing-power growth.

      Variables

      rnomr_nom
      Nominal real risk-free rate
      Risk premium
      Excess return over risk-free rate
      Inflation premium
      Expected inflation rate
    • Leveraged Return

      RL=Ri+VdVe(Ri−rd)R_L = R_i + \frac{V_d}{V_e}(R_i - r_d)
      Leveraged return = Ri + (Vd/Ve)(Ri - rd)

      Use when. Margin investing, real-estate analyses, LBO modelling.

      Borrowing amplifies returns: if asset returns > cost of debt, equity holders earn the spread, scaled by leverage.

      Variables

      RLR_L
      Levered return on equity
      RiR_i
      Return on the investment (unlevered)
      rdr_d
      Cost of debt
      Vd/VeV_d / V_e
      Debt-to-equity ratio
    • Coupon Bond PV

      PV=PMT1(1+r)1+PMT2(1+r)2+⋯+PMTn+FVn(1+r)nPV = \frac{PMT_1}{(1+r)^1} + \frac{PMT_2}{(1+r)^2} + \cdots + \frac{PMT_n + FV_n}{(1+r)^n}
      PV = sum of PMT_t/(1+r)^t + FV_n/(1+r)^n

      Use when. Valuing any fixed-coupon bond given its yield, or solving for yield given price.

      A bond is a portfolio of cash flows: an annuity of coupons plus a final principal repayment. Discount each at the YTM and sum.

      Variables

      PMTtPMT_t
      Coupon payment at time t
      FVnFV_n
      Face value paid at maturity
      r
      Periodic discount rate (YTM per period)
      n
      Number of periods to maturity
    • Perpetuity

      PV=PMTrPV = \frac{PMT}{r}
      PV = PMT / r

      Use when. A cash flow stream that is (i) constant, (ii) infinite, and (iii) starts one period from now (ordinary perpetuity). Example: a perpetual preferred share or a British consol bond.

      A stream of identical cash flows that never ends is worth the single-period payment divided by the discount rate. Higher rates make the perpetuity less valuable today.

      Variables

      PMT
      Constant payment received each period (forever)
      r
      Periodic discount rate· decimal
    • Annuity

      PV=A[1−(1+r)−nr]PV = A \left[ \frac{1 - (1+r)^{-n}}{r} \right]
      PV = A * (1 - (1+r)^(-n)) / r

      Use when. Equal-payment streams that last for a fixed term: mortgage payments, retirement withdrawals, equipment leases, fixed-coupon bonds (ignoring face value).

      A finite stream of equal payments is just the difference between two perpetuities: one starting now, minus one starting after n periods. The bracketed term is the annuity factor.

      Variables

      A
      Annuity payment per period
      r
      Periodic interest rate· decimal
      n
      Number of payments
    • Constant Dividends

      PV=DrPV = \frac{D}{r}
      PV = D / r

      Use when. Valuing perpetual preferred shares or any cash flow expected to stay flat indefinitely.

      Identical to a perpetuity. Used to value perpetual preferred stock paying a fixed dividend forever.

      Variables

      D
      Constant dividend per period
      r
      Required return
    • Constant Dividend Growth (Gordon)

      PV=D1r−g=D0(1+g)r−gPV = \frac{D_1}{r-g} = \frac{D_0(1+g)}{r-g}
      PV = D1/(r-g) = D0(1+g)/(r-g)

      Use when. Mature companies expected to grow dividends at a stable rate forever (e.g. blue-chip utilities). Requires r > g.

      Same idea as a perpetuity, but the cash flow grows. The denominator (r − g) is the "net" discount rate after subtracting the growth tailwind.

      Variables

      D0D_0
      Most recent dividend (just paid)
      D1D_1
      Next-year dividend = D_0 × (1+g)
      r
      Required rate of return on equity· decimal
      g
      Constant dividend growth rate· decimal
    • Discount Bond Implied Return

      r=(FVnPV)1/n−1r = \left( \frac{FV_n}{PV} \right)^{1/n} - 1
      r = (FV/PV)^(1/n) - 1

      Use when. T-bills, commercial paper, zero-coupon bonds where only purchase price and final amount matter.

      Solves for the yield on a zero-coupon (or discount) bond, given price and maturity.

      Variables

      FVnFV_n
      Maturity face value
      PV
      Current price (discount)
      n
      Periods to maturity
    • Equity Required Rate of Return

      r=D1PV+gr = \frac{D_1}{PV} + g
      r = D1/PV + g

      Use when. Backing out the market's implied return on a stock given its price and dividend trajectory.

      Solves Gordon Growth for r. Required return = dividend yield + growth (sometimes called the 'implied return' from current price).

      Variables

      D1D_1
      Next-year dividend
      PV
      Current stock price
      g
      Constant dividend growth rate
    • Forward P/E

      P0E1=D1/E1r−g\frac{P_0}{E_1} = \frac{D_1/E_1}{r - g}
      P0/E1 = (D1/E1)/(r - g)

      Use when. Sanity-checking market P/E ratios against fundamentals; relative valuation.

      Justified P/E from Gordon Growth. Higher payout, lower r, higher g → higher justified P/E.

      Variables

      D1/E1D_1/E_1
      Payout ratio (next year)
      r
      Required return on equity
      g
      Constant earnings growth rate
    • Sample Mean

      Xˉ=1n∑i=1nXi\bar{X} = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} X_i
      Sample mean = (1/n) * Sum of Xi

      Use when. Central tendency of a sample; an unbiased estimator of population mean.

      Best single-number summary of a sample's center.

      Variables

      XiX_i
      Sample observation i
      n
      Sample size
    • Interquartile Range

      IQR=Q3−Q1IQR = Q_3 - Q_1
      IQR = Q3 - Q1

      Use when. Describing dispersion when distribution is skewed or has outliers.

      Spread of the middle 50% of data, ignoring extreme tails. Robust to outliers.

      Variables

      Q1Q_1
      First quartile (25th percentile)
      Q3Q_3
      Third quartile (75th percentile)
    • Location of yth Percentile

      Ly=(n+1)y100L_y = (n+1) \frac{y}{100}
      Ly = (n+1) * y/100; use linear interpolation if not integer

      Use when. Computing quartiles, deciles, VaR cut-offs from raw data.

      Finds the position of a percentile in sorted data; interpolate between neighbouring observations if not integer.

      Variables

      y
      Percentile (1-99)
      n
      Number of observations
      LyL_y
      Index of the yth percentile in sorted data
    • Range

      Range=Max−Min\text{Range} = \text{Max} - \text{Min}
      Range = Maximum value - Minimum value

      Use when. Quick first look at how spread out a dataset is.

      Crudest measure of dispersion. Uses only two observations.

      Variables

      Max
      Largest observation
      Min
      Smallest observation
    • Mean Absolute Deviation

      MAD=1n∑i=1n∣Xi−Xˉ∣MAD = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} |X_i - \bar{X}|
      MAD = (1/n) * Sum of |Xi - Xbar|

      Use when. Robust spread measure when standard deviation is overly punished by outliers.

      Average distance from the mean, without squaring. Easier to interpret than standard deviation.

      Variables

      XiX_i
      Observation i
      X̄
      Sample mean
    • Required Rate of Return

      Interest rate=Real risk-free rate+Inflation premium+Default risk premium+Liquidity premium+Maturity premium\text{Interest rate} = \text{Real risk-free rate} + \text{Inflation premium} + \text{Default risk premium} + \text{Liquidity premium} + \text{Maturity premium}
      Interest rate = Real risk-free rate + Inflation premium + Default risk premium + Liquidity premium + Maturity premium

      Use when. Building up a required return from fundamentals, especially for fixed-income securities.

      A nominal interest rate is a stack of premiums on top of the real risk-free rate — each premium compensates investors for a specific risk they bear.

      Variables

      Real risk-free rate
      Return on a risk-free asset adjusted for inflation
      Inflation premium
      Compensation for expected inflation
      Default risk premium
      Compensation for issuer default risk
      Liquidity premium
      Compensation for illiquidity
      Maturity premium
      Compensation for longer maturities (rate-risk)
    • Sample Variance

      s2=1n−1∑i=1n(Xi−Xˉ)2s^2 = \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i=1}^{n} (X_i - \bar{X})^2
      Sample variance s^2 = (1/(n-1)) * Sum (Xi - Xbar)^2

      Use when. Foundation for standard deviation, hypothesis testing, regression diagnostics.

      Squared deviations from the mean, averaged. The square forces them positive and penalises large deviations more than small.

      Variables

      s2s^2
      Sample variance
      X̄
      Sample mean
      n − 1
      Degrees of freedom (Bessel's correction)
    • Target Semideviation

      starget=∑Xi<B(Xi−B)2n−1s_{target} = \sqrt{ \frac{ \sum_{X_i < B} (X_i - B)^2 }{ n - 1 } }
      Target semideviation: sqrt of sum (Xi - B)^2 for Xi < B over (n-1)

      Use when. Computing Sortino ratio, downside-focused portfolio construction.

      A one-sided risk measure: only counts deviations below a target. Captures 'downside risk' rather than total volatility.

      Variables

      B
      Target / threshold return
      XiX_i
      Return observation
    • Coefficient of Variation

      CV=sXˉCV = \frac{s}{\bar{X}}
      CV = s / Xbar

      Use when. Comparing risk of investments with very different means (e.g. growth stock vs treasury).

      Risk per unit of expected return. Lower CV = more return per unit of variability.

      Variables

      s
      Sample standard deviation
      X̄
      Sample mean
    • Skewness

      Skewness≈1n∑i=1n(Xi−Xˉ)3s3\text{Skewness} \approx \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{(X_i - \bar{X})^3}{s^3}
      Skewness ≈ (1/n) * Sum ((Xi - Xbar)^3 / s^3)

      Use when. Distribution diagnostics; risk analysis (downside-heavy returns have negative skew).

      Asymmetry of a distribution. Positive skew = long right tail (mean > median); negative skew = long left tail (mean < median).

      Variables

      XiX_i
      Observation
      X̄
      Sample mean
      s
      Sample standard deviation
    • Excess Kurtosis

      Ke≈1n∑i=1n(Xi−Xˉ)4s4−3K_e \approx \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{(X_i - \bar{X})^4}{s^4} - 3
      Excess kurtosis = (1/n)*Sum ((Xi-Xbar)^4/s^4) - 3

      Use when. Risk analysis, VaR adjustments; understanding tail events.

      "Tailedness" relative to a normal distribution. Positive = fat tails (leptokurtic) — extreme events more likely than normal predicts.

      Variables

      XiX_i
      Observation
      X̄
      Sample mean
      s
      Sample standard deviation
    • Sample Covariance

      sXY=∑i=1n(Xi−Xˉ)(Yi−Yˉ)n−1s_{XY} = \frac{ \sum_{i=1}^{n} (X_i - \bar{X})(Y_i - \bar{Y}) }{ n - 1 }
      Covariance = Sum (Xi-Xbar)(Yi-Ybar) / (n-1)

      Use when. Portfolio variance, regression slope, beta calculation.

      How two variables move together. Positive = same direction; negative = opposite directions; zero = no linear relationship.

      Variables

      Xi,YiX_i, Y_i
      Paired observations
      X̄, Ȳ
      Sample means
    • Sample Correlation

      rXY=sXYsXsYr_{XY} = \frac{s_{XY}}{s_X s_Y}
      r = s_XY / (s_X * s_Y)

      Use when. Diversification analysis; relationship strength assessment.

      Standardised covariance, bounded between -1 and +1. ±1 = perfect linear relationship; 0 = no linear relationship.

      Variables

      sXYs_XY
      Sample covariance
      sX,sYs_X, s_Y
      Sample standard deviations
    • Expected Value

      E(X)=∑i=1nP(Xi)XiE(X) = \sum_{i=1}^{n} P(X_i) X_i
      E(X) = Sum P(Xi)*Xi

      Use when. Decision-making under uncertainty; valuing probabilistic cash flows.

      Probability-weighted average of all possible outcomes. The mean of a random variable.

      Variables

      XiX_i
      Possible outcome
      P(Xi)P(X_i)
      Probability of outcome i
    • Variance (Probability)

      σ2(X)=∑i=1nP(Xi)[Xi−E(X)]2=E(X2)−[E(X)]2\sigma^2(X) = \sum_{i=1}^{n} P(X_i)[X_i - E(X)]^2 = E(X^2) - [E(X)]^2
      Variance = Sum P(Xi)(Xi - E(X))^2 = E(X^2) - (E(X))^2

      Use when. Risk measurement for discrete probability distributions.

      Probability-weighted average of squared deviations from the mean. The shortcut form E(X²) − [E(X)]² is faster when you have raw moments.

      Variables

      E(X)
      Expected value
      P(Xi)P(X_i)
      Probability of outcome i
    • Total Probability Rule for Expected Value

      E(X)=E(X∣S1)P(S1)+⋯+E(X∣Sn)P(Sn)E(X) = E(X|S_1)P(S_1) + \cdots + E(X|S_n)P(S_n)
      E(X) = E(X|S1)P(S1) + ... + E(X|Sn)P(Sn)

      Use when. Scenario analysis: e.g., expected portfolio return weighted by recession / normal / boom probabilities.

      Unconditional expectation = weighted sum of conditional expectations across mutually exclusive scenarios.

      Variables

      E(X∣Si)E(X|S_i)
      Expected value of X given scenario i
      P(Si)P(S_i)
      Probability of scenario i
    • Bayes' Formula

      P(Event∣Info)=P(Info∣Event)P(Info)×P(Event)P(\text{Event}|\text{Info}) = \frac{P(\text{Info}|\text{Event})}{P(\text{Info})} \times P(\text{Event})
      P(Event|Info) = P(Info|Event)/P(Info) * P(Event)

      Use when. Credit analysis, hypothesis testing intuition, classifier intuition. Beloved by question writers because candidates frequently confuse P(A|B) with P(B|A).

      Updates a prior belief about an event after receiving new information. The multiplier (likelihood/marginal) tells you how strongly the info shifts the prior.

      Variables

      P(Event|Info)
      Posterior probability
      P(Info|Event)
      Likelihood
      P(Event)
      Prior probability
      P(Info)
      Marginal probability of information
    • Portfolio Expected Return

      E(Rp)=∑i=1nwiE[Ri]E(R_p) = \sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i E[R_i]
      E(Rp) = Sum wi*E[Ri]

      Use when. Any portfolio expected-return calculation.

      Expected return is linear in weights. Just multiply each asset's expected return by its weight, and add.

      Variables

      wiw_i
      Portfolio weight of asset i— sum to 1
      E[Ri]E[R_i]
      Expected return on asset i
    • Portfolio Variance

      σ2(Rp)=∑i=1n∑j=1nwiwjCov(Ri,Rj)\sigma^2(R_p) = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \sum_{j=1}^{n} w_i w_j \text{Cov}(R_i, R_j)
      Portfolio variance = Sum wi*wj*Cov(Ri,Rj)

      Use when. Computing portfolio risk; mean-variance optimisation.

      Unlike expected return, variance is NOT linear — covariances matter. Diversification benefits come from negative or low covariances across assets.

      Variables

      wi,wjw_i, w_j
      Portfolio weights
      Cov(Ri,Rj)Cov(R_i, R_j)
      Covariance between assets
    • Correlation

      ρ(Ri,Rj)=Cov(Ri,Rj)σ(Ri)σ(Rj)\rho(R_i, R_j) = \frac{ \text{Cov}(R_i, R_j) }{ \sigma(R_i) \sigma(R_j) }
      Correlation = Cov(Ri,Rj) / (sigma(Ri)*sigma(Rj))

      Use when. Diversification analysis; pair-trading; assessing strength of co-movement.

      Standardised covariance. Always between -1 and +1, independent of units.

      Variables

      Cov(Ri,Rj)Cov(R_i, R_j)
      Covariance between assets
      σ(Ri),σ(Rj)σ(R_i), σ(R_j)
      Standard deviations
    • Two-Asset Portfolio Variance

      σ2(Rp)=w12σ2(R1)+w22σ2(R2)+2w1w2Cov(R1,R2)\sigma^2(R_p) = w_1^2 \sigma^2(R_1) + w_2^2 \sigma^2(R_2) + 2 w_1 w_2 \text{Cov}(R_1, R_2)
      Two-asset: sigma^2(Rp) = w1^2*sigma^2(R1) + w2^2*sigma^2(R2) + 2*w1*w2*Cov(R1,R2)

      Use when. Most exam portfolio-variance questions; quick portfolio risk estimates.

      Two-asset case of the general formula. The cross-term shows the diversification benefit when correlation is < 1.

      Variables

      w1,w2w_1, w_2
      Asset weights
      σ2(Ri)σ²(R_i)
      Variances of each asset
      Cov(R1,R2)Cov(R_1, R_2)
      Covariance between assets
    • Roy's Safety-First Ratio

      SF Ratio=E(Rp)−RLσp⇒P(Rp<RL)=N(−SF Ratio)SF\text{ Ratio} = \frac{ E(R_p) - R_L }{ \sigma_p } \quad \Rightarrow \quad P(R_p < R_L) = N(-SF\text{ Ratio})
      SF Ratio = (E(Rp) - RL) / sigma_p; P(Rp < RL) = N(-SF Ratio)

      Use when. Pension/endowment portfolio decisions with hard minimum-return constraints.

      Maximise the number of standard deviations between expected return and a downside threshold. Higher SF ratio = lower probability of failure (returns below R_L).

      Variables

      E(Rp)E(R_p)
      Expected portfolio return
      RLR_L
      Minimum acceptable / threshold return
      σpσ_p
      Portfolio standard deviation
      N(.)
      Standard normal CDF
    • Lognormal: Mean and Variance of Y

      μY=eμ+σ2/2,σY2=e2μ+σ2(eσ2−1)\mu_Y = e^{\mu + \sigma^2/2} \quad , \quad \sigma_Y^2 = e^{2\mu + \sigma^2}(e^{\sigma^2} - 1)
      Mean of Y = e^(mu + sigma^2/2); Variance of Y = e^(2mu+sigma^2)(e^sigma^2 - 1)

      Use when. Asset-price modelling; Black-Scholes underlying assumption.

      If ln(Y) is normal, then Y is lognormal — always positive, skewed right. Used to model stock prices since prices can't be negative.

      Variables

      μ, σ²
      Mean and variance of ln(Y)
      μY,σY2μ_Y, σ²_Y
      Mean and variance of Y
    • Continuously Compounded Return

      r0,T=ln⁡(STS0)r_{0,T} = \ln \left( \frac{S_T}{S_0} \right)
      r_0,T = ln(ST/S0)

      Use when. Time-series analysis, GBM models, statistical tests on returns.

      Log return. Symmetric (a +10% then -10% log-return ends back at start), additive across periods.

      Variables

      S0,STS_0, S_T
      Price at time 0 and time T
      r0,Tr_{0,T}
      Continuously compounded return over [0,T]
    • Standard Error of Sample Mean

      σXˉ=σnorsXˉ=sn\sigma_{\bar{X}} = \frac{\sigma}{\sqrt{n}} \quad \text{or} \quad s_{\bar{X}} = \frac{s}{\sqrt{n}}
      Standard error = sigma/sqrt(n) or s/sqrt(n)

      Use when. Building confidence intervals, computing t-statistics, hypothesis testing on means.

      Standard deviation of the sample mean across many possible samples. Shrinks with √n — larger samples produce more precise estimates of the mean.

      Variables

      σ
      Population std dev (or s if estimated)
      n
      Sample size
    • t-Statistic (Single Mean)

      t=Xˉ−μ0s/n,df=n−1t = \frac{ \bar{X} - \mu_0 }{ s / \sqrt{n} } \quad , \quad df = n - 1
      t = (Xbar - mu0) / (s/sqrt(n)); df = n-1

      Use when. Testing hypothesis about a single population mean when σ is unknown (usually).

      "How many standard errors is the sample mean from the hypothesised mean?" Large |t| → reject null.

      Variables

      X̄
      Sample mean
      μ0μ_0
      Hypothesised population mean
      s
      Sample standard deviation
      n
      Sample size
    • t-Statistic (Difference in Means)

      t=(Xˉ1−Xˉ2)−(μ1−μ2)sp2/n1+sp2/n2,sp2=(n1−1)s12+(n2−1)s22n1+n2−2t = \frac{ (\bar{X}_1 - \bar{X}_2) - (\mu_1 - \mu_2) }{ \sqrt{ s_p^2/n_1 + s_p^2/n_2 } } \quad , \quad s_p^2 = \frac{ (n_1-1)s_1^2 + (n_2-1)s_2^2 }{ n_1 + n_2 - 2 }
      t = ((Xbar1-Xbar2)-(mu1-mu2)) / sqrt(sp^2/n1 + sp^2/n2); pooled variance sp^2

      Use when. A/B test of two groups (e.g. portfolio A vs B average return).

      Tests whether two population means differ. Pooled variance assumes equal population variances.

      Variables

      Xˉ1,Xˉ2X̄_1, X̄_2
      Sample means of two groups
      sp2s_p²
      Pooled sample variance
      n1,n2n_1, n_2
      Sample sizes
    • Chi-Square (Single Variance)

      χ2=(n−1)s2σ02,df=n−1\chi^2 = \frac{ (n-1) s^2 }{ \sigma_0^2 } \quad , \quad df = n - 1
      Chi^2 = (n-1)s^2 / sigma_0^2; df = n-1

      Use when. Testing if a fund's volatility matches a benchmark; risk-management variance tests.

      Tests whether the population variance equals a hypothesised value. Chi-square is right-skewed and only takes non-negative values.

      Variables

      s²
      Sample variance
      σ02σ_0²
      Hypothesised population variance
      n − 1
      Degrees of freedom
    • F-Test (Two Variances)

      F=s12s22,df1=n1−1 , df2=n2−1F = \frac{ s_1^2 }{ s_2^2 } \quad , \quad df_1 = n_1 - 1 \, , \, df_2 = n_2 - 1
      F = s1^2/s2^2; df1 = n1-1, df2 = n2-1

      Use when. Validating equal-variance assumption before t-test; comparing volatility of two funds.

      Tests whether two populations have equal variances. F is the ratio of larger to smaller variance.

      Variables

      s12,s22s_1², s_2²
      Sample variances
      n1,n2n_1, n_2
      Sample sizes
    • t-Statistic (Correlation)

      t=rn−21−r2,df=n−2t = \frac{ r \sqrt{n-2} }{ \sqrt{1 - r^2} } \quad , \quad df = n - 2
      t = r*sqrt(n-2)/sqrt(1-r^2); df = n-2

      Use when. Validating significance of pairwise correlations in factor analysis or pair trading.

      Tests whether a sample correlation is statistically different from zero (i.e., whether there is a real linear relationship).

      Variables

      r
      Sample correlation coefficient
      n
      Sample size
    • Chi-Square (Contingency Table)

      χ2=∑(Oij−Eij)2Eij\chi^2 = \sum \frac{ (O_{ij} - E_{ij})^2 }{ E_{ij} }
      Chi^2 = Sum (Oij - Eij)^2 / Eij

      Use when. Cross-tabs: e.g. industry × credit-rating frequencies.

      Tests whether two categorical variables are independent. Large chi-square = observed counts diverge from independent expectation.

      Variables

      OijO_ij
      Observed count in cell (i,j)
      EijE_ij
      Expected count under independence
    • Regression Slope

      b^1=Cov(Y,X)Var(X)=∑(Yi−Yˉ)(Xi−Xˉ)∑(Xi−Xˉ)2\hat{b}_1 = \frac{ \text{Cov}(Y,X) }{ \text{Var}(X) } = \frac{ \sum (Y_i - \bar{Y})(X_i - \bar{X}) }{ \sum (X_i - \bar{X})^2 }
      b1_hat = Cov(Y,X)/Var(X)

      Use when. Linear regression, factor models, beta estimation.

      OLS slope = covariance / variance. Tells you the change in Y for a 1-unit change in X. Same formula gives stock's beta when X = market return.

      Variables

      b^1b̂_1
      Estimated regression slope
      Cov(Y,X)
      Covariance of dependent and independent variables
      Var(X)
      Variance of independent variable
    • Regression Intercept

      b^0=Yˉ−b^1Xˉ\hat{b}_0 = \bar{Y} - \hat{b}_1 \bar{X}
      b0_hat = Ybar - b1_hat*Xbar

      Use when. Reading regression output; computing predicted Y for any X.

      The regression line passes through the means (X̄, Ȳ). The intercept is just whatever's left after fitting the slope.

      Variables

      b^0b̂_0
      Estimated intercept
      Ȳ, X̄
      Sample means of Y and X
    • Coefficient of Determination

      R2=SSRSST=r2(one regressor)R^2 = \frac{ SSR }{ SST } = r^2 \quad \text{(one regressor)}
      R^2 = SSR/SST = r^2 for simple regression

      Use when. Model-fit assessment.

      Fraction of variation in Y explained by the regression. R² = 0.6 means 60% of variability in Y is captured by X.

      Variables

      SSR
      Sum of squares regression (explained)
      SST
      Total sum of squares
      r
      Sample correlation
    • F-Statistic (Regression)

      F=MSRMSE=SSR/kSSE/(n−(k+1))F = \frac{ MSR }{ MSE } = \frac{ SSR/k }{ SSE/(n-(k+1)) }
      F = MSR/MSE

      Use when. Overall model significance in multivariable regression.

      Tests the joint significance of all slope coefficients (H0: all slopes = 0). Large F → at least one X explains Y.

      Variables

      MSR
      Mean square regression
      MSE
      Mean square error
      k
      Number of regressors
      n
      Sample size

    How to use this CFA Level 1 formula sheet

    A simple 5-step approach to turn this sheet into real CFA Level 1 exam prep — not just a wallpaper for your desk.

    1. 1

      Pick the topic you're studying

      Use the side navigation to jump to the topic you're currently studying — Quantitative Methods, FSA, Fixed Income, etc.

    2. 2

      Read the formula and the 'use when' trigger

      For each formula, read the title, the equation, and especially the 'use when' line. Knowing when to use a formula is more valuable than memorising it blindly.

    3. 3

      Study the variables and intuition

      Each card lists the variables (with units) and a short plain-English intuition. Read these so you can rebuild the formula from first principles.

    4. 4

      Practise on questions

      Apply the formula on at least 5–10 practice questions. Active recall beats re-reading every time.

    5. 5

      Run formula-only revision passes

      In the final 2–3 weeks before the exam, scroll through this sheet and recite every formula from memory. Mark the ones you can't recall and drill them.

    CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet — Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this CFA Level 1 formula sheet updated for 2026?
    Yes. This formula sheet is aligned with the 2026 CFA Level I curriculum and is updated whenever CFA Institute publishes curriculum changes.
    Is the OneQuest CFA Level 1 formula sheet free?
    Yes. The OneQuest CFA Level 1 formula sheet is 100% free to view online. No sign-up, no email, and no payment is required to use it.
    Can I use this formula sheet during the actual CFA exam?
    No. The CFA exam is closed-book. You may not bring formula sheets, notes, or printed materials into the testing centre. Use this sheet for study and revision only.
    How many formulas do I need to know for CFA Level 1?
    Most candidates need to memorise roughly 50–70 core formulas across all 10 topic areas. This sheet covers every key formula from the curriculum so you can review them in one place.
    What topics are covered in this formula sheet?
    All 10 CFA Level I topic areas: Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Issuers, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management, and Ethical & Professional Standards.
    How should I use this formula sheet in my study plan?
    Keep the relevant topic section open while you study, use it as a quick reference during practice questions, and run fast formula-review passes in your final weeks before the exam.
    Which CFA Level 1 formulas are most important to memorise?
    High-yield formulas include time value of money (PV/FV/annuities), DuPont decomposition, ratio analysis, CAPM, WACC, bond duration and convexity, put-call parity, and the Sharpe ratio. They appear repeatedly across topics and exam questions.
    Does the CFA Level 1 exam provide a formula sheet?
    No. CFA Institute does not provide a formula sheet during the exam. Candidates are expected to memorise all formulas, though common financial calculator functions (BA II Plus or HP 12C) may be used.
    How is this formula sheet different from a CFA cheat sheet?
    Most cheat sheets are just LaTeX dumps. This sheet pairs every formula with its 'use when' trigger, plain-language intuition, and variable definitions — designed for actual revision, not just decoration.

    More CFA Level 1 study resources

    • Free CFA Level 1 mock test

      Test yourself with a free CFA Level 1 mock test — no sign-up required. See how well you recall the formulas on this sheet under timed conditions.

    • CFA Level 1 preparation course

      Mock tests, topic-wise practice, QuestAI tutor and analytics — built for the 2026 CFA Level I exam.

    • How to clear CFA Level 1 — full study guide

      Topic weights, study hours, calculator tips and a 4-month plan to clear the CFA Level 1 exam.

    • Bond price–yield simulation

      Interactive tool to see duration and convexity behave for different yield shifts — pairs with the Fixed Income formulas above.

    • Monte Carlo simulation

      Visualise return distributions and risk — helpful intuition for the Quantitative Methods and Portfolio Management formulas.

    Preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam? Try a free CFA Level 1 mock test to apply these formulas under timed conditions, or explore our CFA Level 1 preparation course for full mock tests, practice questions, and structured study material. You may also find our guide on how to clear the CFA Level 1 exam helpful.

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