Ledger provides open-source double-entry bookkeeping through a command-line accounting system.

ledger-cli.org
Ledger homepage screenshot

About Ledger

Ledger is a double-entry accounting system that is used from the UNIX command-line. It was begun in 2003 by John Wiegley and is released under the BSD license. The site ledger-cli.org hosts its website and documentation.

To get started, you add transactions to a text file using Ledger's textual format, listing accounts such as expenses and liabilities. You then use the ledger program with that file to display balances or to show the transaction history for an account. The site includes examples of file entries and the balance and register commands.

It suits users who are comfortable working in a terminal and editing text files. It is also relevant for readers researching command-line or text-based accounting and for those looking into systems inspired by Ledger.

Key features

  • Double-entry accounting through the UNIX command line
  • Records transactions in plain text files
  • Shows account balances with balance command
  • Lists account history with register command
  • Documentation with transaction format examples
Best for: People comfortable with the UNIX command line who want text-file double-entry accounting.
Good for
  • Uses double-entry accounting method
  • Stores data in plain text files
  • Includes documentation with examples
  • Released under the BSD license
Watch out for
  • Requires use of the command line
  • Requires learning a text-based transaction format

Ledger at a glance

Type
Website
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Web
Open source
Not stated
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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Ledger FAQ

What is Ledger?
Ledger is a double-entry accounting system accessed from the UNIX command line. Transactions are stored in a text file in Ledger's format.
How do you use Ledger?
You add transactions to a text file, then run the ledger program to view balances or account history. The site documents the balance and register commands.
Who created Ledger and under what license?
Ledger was begun in 2003 by John Wiegley. It is released under the BSD license.
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