Check a Converted Statement Using the Running Balance
Any conversion, by hand or by software, can drop or duplicate a row. The statement itself gives you the tools to catch that: an opening balance, a closing balance and usually a running balance on each line.
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
What the converter checks
After converting, RowSmith looks for the opening and closing balances printed on the statement and compares them with the rows it read. This happens in your browser, like the rest of the tool.
- Green, “Balances check out”: the opening balance plus the rows adds up to the closing balance.
- Amber note: the figures don't add up, and the note names the rows to look over first.
- No result: some statements don't print both balances in a form the tool can read, so no check is shown.
Treat the result as an estimate. It helps you spot rows to review, but it isn't a guarantee that every row is right, and you should still review the rows before you use them.
Checking it yourself
- Note the opening and closing balances printed on the statement.
- Convert the PDF and sum the amount column.
- Check that opening balance plus that sum equals the closing balance.
- If it doesn't, start with any rows the amber note names, then compare the running balance line by line.
Good to know
Finding the missing row
Add a column that takes the previous row's balance plus the current amount. The first row where it disagrees with the printed balance is where something was missed, doubled or read with the wrong sign.
Totals above the table
RowSmith shows a row count and money in and money out totals above the preview. Many statements print the same totals in a summary box, so comparing them is another quick test.
Balance missing on some lines
Some statements only print a balance at the end of each day. That's fine. Compare at those points instead of on every row.
Questions
Does a green result mean the rows are right?
No. It means the balances add up, which is a helpful sign, but it is an estimate and not a guarantee. Two errors can cancel out, so still look over the rows.
Why might the totals not match?
Common reasons are a row split across a page break, an amount read with the wrong sign, or fees listed outside the main table.
Should I fix it in the preview or the file?
Either. Fixing in the preview means every download format gets the correction.
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.