Sample Chart of Accounts

Below is a sample chart of accounts. But first let's go over what the chart of accounts is and how it is used in bookkeeping.

The chart of accounts is a list of titles known as accounts (usually each title is given a number as well) which is used for coding purposes.

Every time you enter a check, invoice, deposit, etc, it is coded to one of the accounts on this list.

Then, when you prepare a financial statement, such as an income statement or balance sheet, whatever accounts are used during the time period which the financial statement is prepared for, are listed on this statement along with their balances for the given time period.

To read more about financial statements, such as the income statement or balance sheet, click here.

There are eight general types of accounts. For more about each of these, just click on it: asset, liability, equity, income, cost of good sold, expense, other income, other expense.

Sample Chart of Accounts

Now that we've covered that, here's an actual sample of a chart of accounts. I also list which type of account it is in the right column, although not every chart of accounts looks exactly like this. We will say this chart of accounts is for a small company that sells tires.

Notice the gap left in the numbers in order to add more accounts at a later date. Accounts are added as the need arises. For example, if something came up that didn't fit in any of the accounts listed here, say a lunch meal to meet with a potential new customer, you would need to add a new account for business meals.

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