Preparation of Trial Balance Using Total Method

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on May 02, 2023

Explanation

In the total method, the debit side and credit side of the ledger accounts are added up.

The debit totals are placed in the trial balance's debit column and the credit totals in the credit column. The total of the debit column and credit column should agree.

The use of the total method for preparing trial balances is limited. The balance method is typically used instead because it shows—in a summarized form—the information from which accountants can prepare financial statements.

Example

Keeping in view the importance of the balance method, we will use it in all the examples and exercises on this website.

Preparation of Trial Balance Using Total Method FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.