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DGeneralUpdated 2 Nov 2026

Debt-to-assets ratio

Financial ratio showing the percentage of assets financed by debt.

Definition

Debt-to-assets ratio is the financial ratio showing the percentage of assets financed by debt. Founders reach for it when a vague conversation needs a shared, specific meaning. Name it clearly, then let the next decision — a hire, a price, a test, or a pass — follow from that meaning.

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How the word shows up in a real conversation.

Two cofounders disagree until they define Debt-to-assets ratio. Once they agree it means “Financial ratio showing the percentage of assets financed by debt”, the argument becomes a decision.

Common mistake

Using Debt-to-assets ratio as a label instead of a fact. If you cannot point to the evidence — a number, a customer, or a written assumption — you are using the word as jargon.

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