Home > Topics > Financial Accounting II > Single Entry vs Double Entry

Single Entry vs Double Entry ⚔️

Double Entry: The Gold Standard. Used by every serious business. Single Entry: The Shortcut. Used by small shopkeepers.


Comparison Table 📊

FeatureSingle Entry SystemDouble Entry System
CompletenessIncomplete records.Complete records (Both aspects).
AccountsOnly Personal & Cash.Personal, Real, and Nominal.
Trial BalanceCannot be prepared.Can be prepared to check accuracy.
Profit/LossEstimated (Statement of Affairs).Accurate (P&L Account).
Financial PositionEstimated (Statement of Affairs).Accurate (Balance Sheet).
SuitabilitySmall traders.All types of organizations.
ReliabilityLess reliable. Fraud is easy.Highly reliable. Fraud is hard.
Single Entry"Cheap. Easy. Inaccurate."
Double Entry"Costly. Complex. Accurate."

Quiz Time! 🎯

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 of 5

1. Which system is accepted by Tax Authorities?

Single Entry
Double Entry
Both
None

💡 Final Wisdom: "Single Entry is like driving without a speedometer. You move forward, but you don't know exactly how fast or how far you've gone." 🚗

Next up: Defects & Limitations - Why is it bad? 📉