Chart of Accounts Template
Standard chart of accounts for small businesses.
What's Included:
- Pre-built chart of accounts with 50+ standard account categories
- Five account types organized: assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses
- Account numbering system with room for customization and sub-accounts
- Description field explaining the purpose of each account
Available Formats:
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The chart of accounts is the backbone of your accounting system—it defines how every transaction is categorized and reported. A poorly designed chart of accounts leads to messy financials that are difficult to analyze. This template gives you a professionally structured starting point with standard account categories.
The numbering system is intentionally designed with gaps (1000s for assets, 2000s for liabilities, etc.) so you can add sub-accounts later without renumbering. This forward-thinking structure means your chart of accounts grows with your business rather than becoming disorganized over time.
How to Use This Template
Review the Standard Accounts
Browse the pre-built chart of accounts. Delete any accounts that do not apply to your business and note any additional accounts you need.
Customize for Your Business
Add industry-specific accounts (e.g., "Food Cost" for restaurants, "Hosting Expenses" for SaaS). Assign account numbers using the existing numbering scheme.
Import into Your Accounting System
Use the finalized chart of accounts to set up your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, Wave). The numbered, categorized format makes import straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accounts should a small business chart of accounts have?
Most small businesses need 30-60 accounts. Too few and you lose visibility into spending categories. Too many and the chart becomes unmanageable. This template starts with about 50 standard accounts that you can trim or expand based on your needs.
Can I customize the account numbers?
Yes. The numbering system in this template uses standard conventions (1000s for assets, 2000s for liabilities, 3000s for equity, 4000s for revenue, 5000s+ for expenses) with gaps for sub-accounts. You can renumber as needed for your accounting software.
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