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Also known as: statement of financial position

Balance Sheet

ConceptualFinanceDocuments

Definition

Balance Sheet: A balance sheet shows a company's financial position at a point in time—listing assets (what you own), liabilities (what you owe), and equity (owner value). The fundamental equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. It complements the income statement (profitability) and cash flow statement (cash movements).

Example Usage

Our balance sheet shows $2M in assets (mostly cash), $500K in liabilities (deferred revenue), and $1.5M in equity (raised capital minus losses).

Common Misconceptions

Profitability means healthy balance sheet. Profitable companies can have weak balance sheets; both matter.
Balance sheets are just for accountants. Founders should understand balance sheets for fundraising and decision-making.
Balance sheets are annual. Generate monthly or quarterly for better financial management.

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