What is the Difference Between a T-Account and a Ledger?


A T-Account is a simplified version of a Ledger account. A T-account is shaped like the letter T and has a debit (left) column and a credit (right) column. It is used as a visual way to demonstrate increasing and decreasing accounts in accounting.

Example of a T-Account

A Ledger has more details than a T-Account. It has columns for the date of a transaction, any special notations (Item), a debit and credit column (like the T-Account), and a running balance for the account.

T-Accounts are used in accounting education as a visual way to show the impact of business transactions on individual accounts. Because the ledger contains more details (date, item, balance), it is the preferred method.

What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Ledger?

To learn about the difference between a journal and a ledger in accounting, watch this video:

Video explaining the difference between a journal and a ledger in accounting.

Caroline Grimm

Caroline Grimm is an accounting educator and a small business enthusiast. She holds Masters and Bachelor degrees in Business Administration. She is the author of 13 books and the creator of Accounting How To YouTube channel and blog. For more information visit: https://accountinghowto.com/about/

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