Advanced Features

GnuCash offers some features not found in simpler accounting programs.

• Chart of Accounts.

  A master account can have a hierarchy of more detailed accounts arranged underneath it. This allows related account types (e.g. - Cash, Bank, Stock) to be grouped under one master account ( e.g. - Assets).

• Double Entry.

  Every transaction must debit one account and credit others by an equal amount. This ensures that the 'books balance': that the difference between income and outflow exactly equals the sum of all assets, be they bank, cash, stock or other.

• Income/Expense Account Types (Categories).

  These serve not only to categorize your cash flow, but when used properly with the double-entry feature and equity accounts, these can provide an accurate Profit & Loss statement.

• General Ledger.

  Multiple accounts may be displayed in one register window at the same time. This can make it easier to track down data errors. It also provides a convenient way of viewing a portfolio of many stocks, by showing all transactions in that portfolio.