The gearing and debt ratios are key financial metrics used to assess a company’s leverage, but they differ in focus and calculation. The gearing ratio primarily measures the proportion of a company’s debt relative to its equity (e.g., Debt/Equity Ratio) or total capital (e.g., Debt/Capital Ratio), emphasizing long-term financial structure. It helps evaluate how much a firm relies on borrowed funds versus shareholders' equity. A high gearing ratio indicates greater financial risk but may also suggest aggressive growth strategies.

In contrast, the debt ratio (Total Debt/Total Assets) assesses the percentage of a company’s assets financed by debt, providing a broader view of solvency. It includes both short-term and long-term debt, making it a more comprehensive measure of overall leverage. While a high debt ratio signals higher liability dependence, it doesn’t distinguish between debt and equity financing as clearly as the gearing ratio.

The key difference lies in their interpretation: Gearing ratio highlights capital structure and investor risk, whereas the debt ratio focuses on asset coverage and liquidity risk. A company with a high debt ratio may struggle with obligations if asset values decline, while a high gearing ratio may deter equity investors due to amplified financial risk. Both ratios are crucial but serve distinct analytical purposes in financial decision-making.

The gearing ratio and debt ratio both measure a company's financial leverage, but focus on different aspects. The gearing ratio compares a firm's debt to its equity (Debt/Equity), indicating how much financing comes from borrowing versus shareholders' funds. A high gearing ratio suggests greater financial risk but also potential for higher returns. In contrast, the debt ratio (Total Debt/Total Assets) assesses the proportion of a company's assets funded by debt, reflecting solvency and long-term stability. While gearing emphasises capital structure, the debt ratio evaluates overall liability coverage. Both ratios help investors gauge risk, but gearing is more useful for understanding leverage concerning equity, whereas the debt ratio provides a broader view of financial health by linking obligations to asset value.