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Price Equity Ratio Formula

The price-to-earnings ratio compares market price per share with earnings per share.

Market price per share ÷ Earnings per shareChange the sample figures

Calculated result15

Calculated from the sample figures using the displayed formula.

What is the price equity ratio formula?

Price Equity Ratio FormulaMarket price per share ÷ Earnings per share

The price-to-earnings ratio compares market price per share with earnings per share.

What do the inputs mean?

Market price per share
The value entered for market price per share. Keep its period and units consistent with the other inputs.
Earnings per share
The value entered for earnings per share. Keep its period and units consistent with the other inputs.

How to calculate it step by step

  1. Define the decision.
    Write down what the result will help you compare or decide.
  2. Collect matching inputs.
    Use figures from the same period and apply the definitions shown on this page.
  3. Apply the formula.
    Market price per share ÷ Earnings per share.
  4. Check the units.
    Confirm whether the result is a currency amount, percentage, number of periods or ratio.
  5. Test a second case.
    Change one assumption at a time to see what drives the result.

Worked example

Using the sample figures in the calculator, the result is 15. Change one figure at a time and recalculate to see which assumption has the greatest effect. A spreadsheet should return the same result when it uses the same formula, units and timing.

When should you use price equity ratio formula?

Use it as one market-valuation multiple for comparable companies.

Limitations and common mistakes

Negative or unusually low earnings can make the ratio meaningless or unstable.

Do not mix annual figures with monthly figures, ending balances with averages, or percentages with whole numbers. Record the definition used so another person can reproduce the result.

Frequently asked questions

What is price equity ratio formula?

The price-to-earnings ratio compares market price per share with earnings per share.

How should I use price equity ratio formula?

Use the formula only after matching every input to the same period, unit and definition. Then compare the result with a worked example and the decision you are trying to make.

What is the most common mistake with price equity ratio formula?

Negative or unusually low earnings can make the ratio meaningless or unstable.

Can I calculate price equity ratio formula in a spreadsheet?

Yes. Reproduce the displayed equation with separate cells for each input, keep percentages as decimals, and test the spreadsheet against the worked example before replacing the sample figures.

Sources and methodology

This page uses the Beginners’ Guide to Financial Statements for the underlying financial or reporting context. Spreadsheet-related behavior is checked against Microsoft’s financial-function documentation. Examples are illustrative and use the formula displayed on the page.

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