Difference Between Journal and Ledger

Last Updated :

Blog Author :

Edited by :

Reviewed by :

Table Of Contents

Journal vs Ledger Differences

The key difference between Journal and Ledger is that a journal is the first step of the accounting cycle where all the accounting transactions are analyzed and recorded as the journal entries. In contrast, a ledger is the extension of the journal where journal entries are recorded by the company in its general ledger account based on which the company's financial statements are prepared.

Both are essential concepts in financial accounting. If you don't know the journal and ledger, you wouldn't be able to decipher the real meaning of each transaction

Journal is the first form of transaction. In the journal, the accountant debits and credits the right account and records the transaction in the books of accounts for the very first time using the double-entry system.

The accountant creates a "T" format in the ledger and then puts the journal in the right order. So we can say that ledger is an extension of a journal. But since we create the trial balance, income statement, and balance sheet from looking at the ledger, it is also so vital.

Journal vs Ledger Differences

Journal vs Ledger Infographics

Journal vs Ledger Video Explanation

Key Differences

Journal is called the original book of entry because the transaction is recorded first in the journal. On the other hand, the ledger is called the second book of entry because the transaction in the ledger is transferred from journal to ledger.
In a journal, the entry is recorded sequentially, i.e., as per the fate of the transaction. In the ledger, the entry is recorded account-wise.
The act of recording into the journal is called journaling. The act of recording into the ledger is called posting.
The narration is a must in a journal because otherwise, the entry would lose its value. In the ledger, the description is optional.
In a journal, there is no need for balancing. In the ledger, balancing is a must at the end of the period.

Comparative Table

Basis for Comparison	Journal	Ledger
1. Meaning	It is the first entry of financial transactions that are rightly summarized and recorded as per the double-entry system.	Ledger is recorded from the journal in a “T” format and is the source of trial balance, income statement, and balance sheet.
2. Which is more important?	Journal is more critical than ledger because if it is done wrong, ledger can’t be done right.	Ledger is dependent upon the correctness of a journal because if the journal is recorded right, the ledger will follow along.
3. Format	The format of a journal is simple, and we include date, particulars, ledger folio, debit amount, and credit amount.	The format of the ledger is “T” format where we use to date, particulars, and amount on each side.
4. Label	It is called the “book of original entry.”	It is called the “book of the second entry.”
5. An act of recording	The act of journaling is called journalizing.	The act of ledger is called posting.
6. How is the entry recorded?	In a journal, the entry is recorded as per the date of the transaction.	In the ledger, the entry is recorded account-wise.
7. Narration	Narration is a must to understand the nature of the entry.	The narration is optional.
8. Necessity of balancing	Balancing is not required in the journal.	Balancing is mandatory in a ledger.

Conclusion

Understanding the journal and ledger is of utter importance. If you can follow both well, the rest of the accounting would seem very easy to you because you would be able to connect why account debits and other credits.

However, if we compare, we would see that the journal is more critical than the ledger; if there is an error in the journal, it would be tough to find out since it is the book of original entry. Ledger is also crucial because it is the source of all other financial statements.