Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Double Entry

Filed Under » , , ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Double Entry'

The fundamental concept underlying present-day bookkeeping and accounting. Double entry accounting is based on the fact that every financial transaction has equal and opposite effects in at least two different accounts. It is used to satisfy the equation Assets = Liabilities + Equity, whereby each entry is recorded so as to maintain the relationship.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Double Entry'

In the double entry system, transactions are recorded in terms of debits and credits. Since a debit in one account will be offset by a credit in another account, the sum of all debits must therefore be exactly equal to the sum of all credits. The double-entry system of bookkeeping or accounting makes it easier to accurately prepare financial statements directly from the books of account and detect errors.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    How does accrual accounting differ from cash basis accounting?

    The main difference between accrual and cash basis accounting is the timing of when revenue and expenses are recognized. The cash method is most used by small businesses and for personal finances. ...

  2. Does the balance sheet always balance?

    Yes, a balance sheet should always balance. The name "balance sheet" is based on the fact that assets will equal liabilities and equity every time. The assets on the balance sheet consist of ...

  3. Ancient Accounting Systems

    Learn how accounting evolved to keep records of increasingly complex transactions and civilizations.

  4. Why do accountants use debits and credits instead of simple pluses and minuses? Why is the notation for a debit "DR"?

    Debits and credits, and the technique of double-entry accounting, are credited (no pun intended) to a Franciscan monk by the name of Luca Pacioli. Known as the "Father of Accounting", he warned ...

  5. Given a good bookkeeping system, would financial accounting be necessary?

    Bookkeeping and financial accounting may seem like they are new creations, but variations have been around for millennia. The first record keeping systems, according to some, originated in about ...

  6. Depreciation: Straight-Line Vs. Double-Declining Methods

    Appreciate the different methods used to describe how book value is "used up".

  7. Financial Statement: Extraordinary Vs. Nonrecurring Items

    When it comes to analyzing a company, successful analysts spend considerable time differentiating between accounting items that are likely to recur going forward from those that most likely will ...

  8. Get A Career In Showbiz Accounting

    An accounting career doesn't have to be boring. If you love numbers, but want excitement as well, consider the field of showbiz accounting.

  9. What Management Accountants Do

    If you like keeping track of a company's income and expenses but also want to hold a position with significant responsibility and authority, management accounting could be the job for you.

  10. The Basics Of A Financial Analysis Report

    Running financial analysis on a company or industry is a key skill every investor must learn and understand how to undertake without which an ineffective financial report and investment recommendation ...
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.

  2. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.

  3. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.

  4. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.

  5. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.

  6. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.
Trading Center