Tangible Net Worth Calculator
Calculate tangible net worth (TNW) — total assets minus intangible assets minus total liabilities. Enter individual intangible categories (goodwill, patents, trademarks) for a detailed breakdown, then see TNW vs standard net worth comparison bars, intangible share, liability-to-tangible-asset ratio, and an optional lender covenant check.
Enter balance sheet values
Use a preset or enter your own values. Intangible assets can be entered as a single total or broken down by category — either approach works.
Formula
TNW = Total assets − Intangibles − Total liabilities
Tangible assets = Total assets − Intangibles
Intangible share = Intangibles ÷ Total assets × 100
Liab / tang. assets = Liabilities ÷ Tangible assets
TNW vs net worth
Net worth = Total assets − Liabilities (includes intangibles). TNW removes intangibles first — so it is always ≤ net worth. The gap equals the intangible asset total. For individuals with no recorded intangibles, TNW and net worth are identical.
Frequently asked questions
What is tangible net worth?
Tangible net worth is the portion of net worth supported by concrete, realisable assets. It is calculated by removing intangible assets — goodwill, patents, trademarks — from total assets, then subtracting total liabilities. It is always lower than or equal to standard net worth.
What counts as an intangible asset for TNW?
Common intangibles removed from TNW include: goodwill from acquisitions, patents and trade secrets, trademarks and trade names, customer lists, licensing rights, non-compete agreements, and capitalised software. Some lender covenants also exclude deferred tax assets and related-party receivables — always check the specific agreement.
Is TNW the same as shareholders' equity?
No. Shareholders' equity (book net worth) equals total assets minus total liabilities — it includes intangible assets in the asset base. TNW takes an additional step by removing those intangibles, producing a more conservative equity figure.
Can tangible net worth be negative?
Yes — and it can be negative even when standard net worth is positive. This happens when intangible assets (especially large goodwill balances) plus total liabilities exceed total assets. Negative TNW is a significant flag in credit analysis, even if the business appears profitable.
Why do lenders use TNW in debt covenants?
Lenders use TNW covenants because goodwill can be written down overnight in an impairment charge, and intangibles are difficult to liquidate in a default scenario. A TNW covenant ensures the borrower maintains a minimum base of concrete, realisable asset value — independent of acquisition-related intangibles that could disappear quickly.
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Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. It does not provide accounting, lending, valuation, or legal advice. Actual TNW may differ based on reporting rules, impairment charges, classification choices, and lender-specific covenant definitions. Verify with your accountant and review all relevant agreement language before relying on this for compliance.