Easy Tech TutsHow to Set Up the Chart of Accounts in QuickBooks Online Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Your Chart of Accounts is the backbone of your entire bookkeeping setup, so getting it structured correctly from the start matters. This guide walks through creating accounts, organizing them into sub-accounts, and importing an existing ledger if you're migrating data.
01Open the Chart of Accounts
Go to the Accounting section in the left-hand sidebar and select Chart of Accounts to view your existing ledger structure.
02Create a new account
Click the green New button, then choose the appropriate account type (such as asset, liability, income, or expense) and a matching detail type.
03Name and classify the account
Enter a clear category name in the Name field so the account is easy to identify later.
04Set up sub-accounts if needed
Check the 'Is sub-account' box and select a parent category to nest a new line item under a broader account.
05Add opening balances
Enter historical opening balances and the corresponding as-of date if you're setting up an account with existing history.
06Import accounts in bulk via CSV
Click the dropdown arrow next to New and select Import to upload a spreadsheet of accounts, then map your columns to QuickBooks fields to complete the import.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my whole Chart of Accounts instead of typing each one in?
Yes, you can drag and drop a CSV spreadsheet into the import tool and map your columns to QuickBooks fields to create many accounts at once.
What's the difference between an account type and a detail type?
Account type is the broad category (like asset or expense), while detail type is a more specific classification within that category.
Should I use account numbers?
Enabling account numbers in Advanced Company Settings can help keep a larger Chart of Accounts sorted and easier to navigate.
Can I nest accounts under other accounts?
Yes, checking the 'Is sub-account' box lets you link a new account to a parent category to build a hierarchy.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
