Course Outline
Join PRO

What is the difference between a trial balance and a balance sheet?

Author:
Harold Averkamp, CPA, MBA

Definition of Trial Balance

A trial balance is an internal report that remains in the accounting department. The trial balance lists all of the accounts in the general ledger and their balances (or all of the accounts that have balances). However, the debit balance amounts are entered in one column and the credit balance amounts are entered in another column. Each column is then summed to prove that the total of the debit balances is equal to the total of the credit balances. (In a manual accounting system, the trial balance would draw attention to the errors occurring when transactions were journalized, posted, account balances computed, etc. With accounting software, these clerical errors are unlikely.)

Definition of Balance Sheet

A balance sheet is one of the five financial statements that are distributed outside of the accounting department and are often distributed outside of the company. The balance sheet summarizes and reports the balances from the asset, liability, and stockholders’ equity accounts that are contained in the company’s general ledger. The balance sheet is also referred to as the statement of financial position.

Join PRO to Track Progress

Features

Free

PRO

Lifetime Access (One-Time Fee)
Explanations
Quizzes
Q&A
Dictionary
Bookkeeping Video Training
Financial Statements Video Training
Visual Tutorials
Quick Tests
Quick Tests with Coaching
Cheat Sheets
Flashcards
Crossword Puzzles
Word Scrambles with Coaching
Bookkeeping Study Guide
Managerial and Cost Accounting Study Guide
Certificates of Achievement
Bookkeeping Certificate of Excellence
Business Forms
Printable PDF Files
Progress Tracking
Motivational Badges and Points
Motivational Medal Rankings
Motivational Activity Streaks
Public Profile Page of Achievements

About the Author

Harold Averkamp

For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) has
worked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online. He is the sole author of all the materials on AccountingCoach.com.

Learn More About Harold

Read 3,033 Testimonials

PRO for Teams
  • Easily onboard new users and team admins
  • Monitor individual user progress and grades
  • Monitor team progress and compare users
  • View average grades and find problem areas
  • Monitor recent activity and user achievements
PRO for Teams
Take the Tour Join Pro Upgrade to Pro