Financial statements & accounting records · Core
Debit
Also called: Dr
ELI5
The left side of an account; what it changes depends on the account type.
Used in conversation
“The journal entry debits cash and credits the loan liability.”
Definition
An entry on the left side of an account; it generally increases assets and expenses and decreases liabilities, equity and income.
Here “Debit” means: An entry on the left side of an account; it generally increases assets and expenses and decreases liabilities, equity and income.
Pitch context
You will see “Debit” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches financial statements & accounting records.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret financial statements & accounting records without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Connected terms
- Disaster recoveryThe search label “Dr” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16