What is difference between general ledger and sub ledger?

The major differences between the general ledger and sub-ledger are as follows −

General ledger

• Master account in which accounting transactions are recorded.

• Account receivables account payable, cash management, bank management and fixed asset.

• Have different characteristics for different transactions.

• One ledger account.

• Data volume is limited.

• Have a chart of accounts.

• Controls sub-ledger.

• Trail balance prepared.

Sub ledger

• Intermediate set of accounts linked to the general ledger.

• Customer accounts, vendor accounts, bank accounts and fixed assets.

• All transactions have the same characteristics.

• Can have multiple sub-ledger accounts.

• Data volume is large.

• Don’t have charts of accounts.

• Part of the general ledger.

• Trail balance is not prepared.