What is b/d and c/f?

by Jibran
(Pakistan)

Q: I want to ask - what is b/d and c/f?

A: Good question Jibran. And great picture by the way! :)

The term "b/d" stands for "brought down."

The term "c/f" stands for "carried forward."

You will normally see "b/d" as "Balance b/d" at the top of a T-account.

"Balance b/d" is sometimes shown as Balance b/f ("b/f" means brought forward). These two phrases mean the exact same thing.

"Balance b/d" or "Balance b/f" shows the amount brought down (or brought forward) from a previous period - i.e. the opening balance of an account.

"Balance b/d" or "Balance b/f" also shows the closing balance as a line at the bottom of the account.

"Balance c/f" is just used as a balancing line to calculate the closing balance figure. It is shown on the opposite side of the closing balance (opposite to the final line that shows "Balance b/d" or "Balance b/f").

Hope that helps clarify those terms and what they're used for!

Check out my lesson on balancing T-accounts, which will give you a step-by-step breakdown of balancing a T-account, including the use of Balance c/f and Balance b/f.

Best,
Michael Celender


Related questions & tutorials:

• Balance c/f & Balance b/f stand for...?
• T-Accounts
• Balancing T-Accounts

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For more definitions of basic accounting terms, get the Accounting Basics: Complete Guide or the Accounting Basics: Dictionary (both these books include my full glossary of accounting terms).

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