Is the direct method still used in the statement of cash flow?
Sarah Garza
Updated on February 21, 2026
The direct method of preparing the statement of cash flows is recommended by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). However, the direct method is rarely used.
How do you create a cash flow statement?
Here are four steps to help you create your own cash flow statement.
- Start with the Opening Balance.
- Calculate the Cash Coming in (Sources of Cash)
- Determine the Cash Going Out (Uses of Cash)
- Subtract Uses of Cash (Step 3) from your Cash Balance (sum of Steps 1 and 2)
- An Alternative Method.
What are the two methods of preparing cash flow statement?
There are two ways to prepare a cash flow statement: the direct method and the indirect method:
- Direct method – Operating cash flows are presented as a list of ingoing and outgoing cash flows.
- Indirect method – The indirect method presents operating cash flows as a reconciliation from profit to cash flow.
How does direct method cash flow statement work?
Typically the direct method cash flow statement discloses gross cash receipts and payments for each of the following line items. Suppose a business reports the following income statement and beginning and ending balance sheet extracts for a financial year.
Which is the correct method to prepare a statement of cash flows?
The direct method for preparing a statement of cash flows lists cash inflows and outflows as they occur. It is based on cash accounting. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) prefers that businesses use the direct method to develop the statement of cash flows.
How is the direct method reconciled to the income statement?
Reconciliation Process Because the direct method solely focuses on cash transactions, the cash flow statement does not have an obvious link to the income statement with this method. Therefore, companies must reconcile the cash flow statement to the income statement through an adjustment and reconciliation process.
When do you add net increase in cash to statement of cash flows?
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents is the sum of the three sections. Add this to the Cash at the Beginning of the Period. The result is Cash at the End of the Period, and completes your statement of cash flows.