Debit and Credit Columns in a Converted Bank Statement
Some statements show money out and money in as separate columns, others print one amount with a sign or a DR or CR marker. Whatever the PDF uses, you usually need one consistent shape in the spreadsheet.
Your file is never uploaded. RowSmith reads text-based PDF statements in your browser. Scanned PDFs aren't supported yet. Always review the rows before you use them.
Open the free statement converter
Steps
- Convert the statement and look at how amounts appear in the preview.
- Decide whether your next step wants one signed column or two columns.
- Use a simple formula to switch between the two shapes.
- Spot-check a few rows against the PDF before saving.
Good to know
From two columns to one
If you have Paid out in column C and Paid in in column D, a signed amount is D minus C. Fill that down a new column and you can total, sort and chart with a single number per row.
From one column to two
To split a signed amount in column C, use one formula that keeps only values below zero, made positive, for money out, and another that keeps values above zero for money in. Many import screens ask for exactly this layout.
Watch the markers
A trailing CR or DR, or an amount in brackets, changes the meaning of a number. Check that these rows came through with the sign you expect.
Questions
Which is better for budgeting?
One signed column. Spending sums to a negative number and income to a positive one, so a single total tells you whether you came out ahead.
Which is better for bookkeeping?
Either works. Follow whatever your ledger or import screen asks for.
This guide was written with AI assistance and reviewed against the converter's behaviour. Always review your output before using it.
RowSmith is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any bank or software company.
Converting is free. RowSmith Pro ($9/month or $59/year) adds suggested Schedule C categories, saved cleanup rules and monthly category totals.