AccountancyCLASS 11CBSE
answered 23 Jun 2026What are the differences Between Balance Sheet and Trial Balance?
A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors
| Basis of Difference | Balance Sheet | Trial Balance |
| Purpose | The purpose is to portray the financial position | The purpose is to establish the arithmetic accuracy of the books of account. |
| Information about Profits | It provides information as to the profitability and financial position of the firm | No such information is possible from the Trial balance |
| Necessity | It is essential to prepare a Balance Sheet to complete the accounting process. | Though desirable, it may be possible to to dispense with its preparation |
| Headings | The two sides are headed as assets and liabilities | The two columns are headed as debit and credit |
| Coverage | Only personal and real accounts appears in the Balance sheet | In the Trial Balance all accounts must be written: no account can be left out |
| Closing stock | This Account appers in the Balance Sheet | Normally , a closing stock does not figure in the Trial Balance |
| Period | Normally, it is prepared only at the end of trading period | A trial balance is prepared normally every months and whenever desired. |
| Adjustment | A Balance Sheet cannot be prepared without making adjustments for outstanding and prepaid items and without taking into account all events and transaction for the year. | A Trial balance cab be prepared at any stage, without even making adjustments. |