3 Critical Numbers You Need to Check Monthly (Besides Revenue)

Most business owners we speak with can quote their top-line revenue without missing a beat. Ask what they brought in last month, and they know instantly.

But when we sit down with clients here at Christiansen Accounting, we ask slightly different questions: How long could your doors stay open if sales stopped? What is your actual margin after delivering your services? And what percentage of that cash do you truly get to keep?

That is usually where the room gets quiet.

Tracking revenue alone gives a false sense of security. You can easily grow sales while simultaneously running out of cash, shrinking margins, and taking home less money. Smart California business owners track what actually stays in the bank.

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1. Cash Runway: How Long Can You Last?

Your cash runway tells you how many months your operations can continue if income slows down. It is your financial buffer, giving you leverage to make strategic choices without panicking.

The Calculation: Cash on hand divided by monthly expenses equals runway (in months).

If payment collections slow down, knowing your runway determines whether you stay in control or start making reactive decisions.

2. Gross Margin: Are You Actually Making Money?

Gross margin reveals what is left after delivering your service. This strictly looks at direct costs, not overall overhead.

The Formula: (Revenue minus Cost of Goods Sold) divided by Revenue.

You can be fully booked and still be underpriced. Watch out for margins that shrink as you scale. More sales will not fix a thin margin—they only magnify the problem.

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3. Net Profit Percentage: What Do You Keep?

Ultimately, this metric matters most. Net profit percentage shows what remains after every cost is paid:

  • Expenses
  • Overhead
  • Taxes
  • Operations

The Formula: Net Profit divided by Revenue.

If your business brings in $500,000 but profit is $50,000, your net profit is 10%. For every dollar earned, you keep ten cents. For many entrepreneurs, that reality check is lower than expected.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

When you track these three numbers monthly, you stop guessing. You instantly see where money leaks, when to raise prices, and how much risk you carry.

Unsure where your numbers stand right now? Our seven-person team is ready to help. Contact Christiansen Accounting today to gain clarity on your cash flow and start making more confident business decisions.

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