Float is defined as the difference between the balance shown on the books and the balance in the bank account. A lag often occurs between the time receipts and disbursements are recorded on the companys books and when the transactions clear the bank.

Consider the following scenario:

The accountant for Sandberg Co. is reconciling the companys bank statement. A total difference of $20,000 needs to be analyzed.

What type of float does this scenario describe?

Collection float

Net float

Disbursement float

Next, consider the case of Windsor Flooring Company:

The management at Windsor Flooring has determined that it takes an average of 6 days for checks the company writes to clear its bank account. Cash receipts from customers are reflected in Windsors bank account an average of 4 days after the checks are received. On an average day, Windsor writes checks that total $20,000, and it receives checks from customers that total $30,000.

Compute the collection float, the disbursement float, and the net float in dollars in the following table. (Note: By definition, collection float is always considered negative, and disbursement float is always positive. Both should be shown as positive numbers here. The net float, however, should be shown as positive if it is favorable and as negative if it is unfavorable.)

Windsor Flooring Company
Float Calculations
Collection float
Disbursement float
Net float

Given this information, you can deduce that on an average day, Windsor Floorings bank balance is its book balance.