Keep proper double-entry books without accounting software. This general ledger template connects a chart of accounts, a journal, an account ledger, a trial balance and simple financial statements, so every entry you post flows through to your reports automatically.
Who this template is for
- Small business owners doing their own bookkeeping
- Accounting students practicing double entry
- Bookkeepers who need a simple ledger
Features
- Chart of accounts with 22 starter accounts for a small business (assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses). Rename, add or remove accounts freely.
- Journal with up to 600 debit and credit lines, account drop-downs and an automatic check that tells you if each entry is balanced.
- Account ledger: pick any account and see all its entries in date order with a running balance.
- Trial balance that totals debits and credits for every account and confirms your books balance.
- Income statement and balance sheet for any period you choose with FROM / TO date pickers.
- Color-coded account types, print-ready layout, no macros.
How to use it
- Download the file and open it in Excel or upload it to Google Sheets.
- Adjust the chart of accounts on the Accounts tab.
- Record each transaction on the Journal tab as debit and credit lines that share a reference.
- Check the Trial Balance and read your Statements for the period you need.
What’s included
- 1 .xlsx file with 6 tabs: Start Here, Accounts, Journal, Ledger, Trial Balance and Statements.
- Sample entries so you can see how it works (delete them and start fresh).
Compatibility
Works in Microsoft Excel (desktop, Mac and Excel online) and Google Sheets. No add-ons or macros required.
FAQ
Do I need to know accounting?
Basic debit and credit knowledge helps, but the built-in balance checks and the Start Here guide walk you through it.
Can I use it for more than one year?
Yes. Choose any date range on the Statements tab, or start a fresh copy each year.
Is this a replacement for an accountant?
It is a bookkeeping tool. For tax filings, share your trial balance and statements with your accountant.
Does it work in the free version of Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the .xlsx file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. A free Google account is all you need.
Can I use it on a Mac, iPad or phone?
Yes. It works in Excel for Mac and Windows, Excel online and the Google Sheets app. For editing, a computer or tablet is the most comfortable.
How do I get the file?
Right after checkout you get a download link on the confirmation page and by email.
More templates like this: Bookkeeping & Ledgers.
This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped.
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