Balance vs. Remaining — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 4, 2024
Balance reflects the total amount available in an account, whereas remaining indicates what's left after deductions or usage, focusing on what's left.
Difference Between Balance and Remaining
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Balance is a term often used in financial contexts to denote the total amount of money present in an account at any given moment. This can include checking and savings accounts, where the balance reflects deposits, withdrawals, and interest accrued over time. On the other hand, the term "remaining" is more about specifying what is left of something after certain parts have been used, subtracted, or allocated. This could refer to money, time, resources, or any quantifiable entity.
While balance can fluctuate based on transactions made, earning interest, or incurring fees, it provides a snapshot of financial standing. Remaining, however, typically decreases over time or usage and is more about measuring what is left from an original amount or capacity. For instance, the remaining balance on a loan decreases as payments are made.
In accounting, balance is crucial for understanding an entity's financial health, used to make decisions and strategic plans. Remaining, on the other hand, might be used to track the progress of budget consumption, project timelines, or inventory levels, helping in operational planning and management.
Balance can also imply stability or equilibrium in non-financial contexts, such as maintaining a work-life balance. Remaining, in such contexts, focuses on what portion is yet to be addressed or dealt with, like remaining vacation days or tasks to complete.
The concept of balance is inherently more static, representing a state at a particular moment. Conversely, remaining has a dynamic quality, inherently tied to progression or depletion, emphasizing the process of change from an original state to what is currently left.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The total amount of money in an account or a state of equilibrium.
The portion left after use, allocation, or deduction.
Contexts
Financial accounts, equilibrium states.
Budgets, resources, time left after certain activities.
Nature
Can be static or fluctuate with transactions.
Inherently dynamic, indicating depletion or usage.
Measurement
Reflects overall financial standing or equilibrium.
Measures progress or consumption against an original amount.
Usage in Sentences
"Check your account balance before making a purchase."
"Track the remaining budget to avoid overspending."
Compare with Definitions
Balance
A condition where different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
A balanced diet includes a variety of nutrients.
Remaining
Still to be done or completed.
Remaining tasks for the project.
Balance
The total money in a financial account.
The account balance after the deposit was $5,000.
Remaining
Leftovers or residue.
The remaining evidence was inconclusive.
Balance
Stability in physical or emotional state.
He lost his balance and fell.
Remaining
What is left after other parts have been used, removed, or deducted.
The remaining cake was saved for later.
Balance
Equilibrium between different elements.
Finding a balance between work and leisure is crucial.
Remaining
The part not yet used or dealt with.
Two chapters remaining in the book.
Balance
The remaining amount after all deductions.
The balance of the invoice is due next month.
Remaining
The quantity or portion still available for use.
Remaining battery life is 20%.
Balance
See Libra.
Remaining
To continue in the same state or condition
These matters remain in doubt.
Balance
A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless. Also called scale.
Remaining
To continue to be in the same place; stay or stay behind
We are remaining at home.
Balance
A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.
Remaining
To be left after the removal, loss, passage, or destruction of others
Only a few trees remained after the storm. ].
Balance
The power or means to decide
Matters that fell outside the judge's balance.
Remaining
Present participle of remain
They will be remaining behind.
My remaining at the beach house kept it from being vandalized.
The remaining paint shall be properly disposed of.
Balance
A state of bodily equilibrium
Thrown off balance by a gust of wind.
Remaining
An act or occurrence by which someone or something remains
Balance
The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium
Gymnasts must have good balance.
Remaining
Which remains, especially after something else has been removed.
May I have the only remaining cake?
Balance
A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.
Remaining
Being the remaining one or ones of several;
Tried to sell the remaining books
Balance
An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
Remaining
Not used up;
Leftover meatloaf
She had a little money left over so she went to a movie
Some odd dollars left
Saved the remaining sandwiches for supper
Unexpended provisions
Balance
The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
Balance
Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.
Balance
The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.
Balance
Something that is left over; a remainder.
Balance
(Chemistry) Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.
Balance
(Mathematics) Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.
Balance
A balance wheel.
Balance
To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.
Balance
To consider and compare or assess
Balanced the pros and cons before making a choice.
Balance
To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.
Balance
To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.
Balance
To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).
Balance
To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).
Balance
To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.
Balance
To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.
Balance
Mathematics & Chemistry To bring (an equation) into balance.
Balance
To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).
Balance
To be in or come into equilibrium.
Balance
To be equal or equivalent.
Balance
To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.
Balance
To move toward and then away from a dance partner.
Balance
(uncountable) A state in which opposing forces harmonise; equilibrium.
Balance
(uncountable) Mental equilibrium; mental health; calmness, a state of remaining clear-headed and unperturbed.
Balance
Something of equal weight used to provide equilibrium; counterweight.
These weights are used as a balance for the overhanging verandah
Blair thought he could provide a useful balance to Bush's policies.
Balance
A pair of scales.
Balance
(uncountable) Awareness of both viewpoints or matters; neutrality; rationality; objectivity.
Balance
(uncountable) The overall result of conflicting forces, opinions etc.; the influence which ultimately "weighs" more than others.
The balance of power finally lay with the Royalist forces.
I think the balance of opinion is that we should get out while we're ahead.
Balance
(uncountable) Apparent harmony in art (between differing colours, sounds, etc.).
Balance
(accounting) A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Balance
(accounting) The result of such a procedure; the difference between credit and debit of an account.
I just need to nip to a bank and check my balance.
Balance
(watchmaking) A device used to regulate the speed of a watch, clock etc.
Balance
The remainder.
The balance of the agreement remains in effect.
The invoice said he had only paid $50. The balance was $220.
Balance
Libra.
Balance
(transitive) To bring (items) to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights.
Balance
To make (concepts) agree.
Balance
(transitive) To hold (an object or objects) precariously; to support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling.
I balanced my mug of coffee on my knee.
The circus performer balances a plate on the end of a baton.
Balance
(transitive) To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally.
To balance partners
Balance
(nautical) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass.
To balance the boom mainsail
Balance
(transitive) To make the credits and debits of (an account) correspond.
This final payment, or credit, balances the account.
To balance a set of books
Balance
(intransitive) To be in equilibrium.
Balance
(intransitive) To have matching credits and debits.
Balance
To weigh in a balance.
Balance
To hesitate or fluctuate.
Balance
An apparatus for weighing.
Balance
Act of weighing mentally; comparison; estimate.
A fair balance of the advantages on either side.
Balance
Equipoise between the weights in opposite scales.
Balance
The state of being in equipoise; equilibrium; even adjustment; steadiness.
And hung a bottle on each sideTo make his balance true.
The order and balance of the country were destroyed.
English workmen completely lose their balance.
Balance
An equality between the sums total of the two sides of an account; as, to bring one's accounts to a balance; - also, the excess on either side; as, the balance of an account.
I still think the balance of probabilities leans towards the account given in the text.
Balance
A balance wheel, as of a watch, or clock. See Balance wheel (in the Vocabulary).
Balance
The constellation Libra.
Balance
To bring to an equipoise, as the scales of a balance by adjusting the weights; to weigh in a balance.
Balance
To support on a narrow base, so as to keep from falling; as, to balance a plate on the end of a cane; to balance one's self on a tight rope.
Balance
To equal in number, weight, force, or proportion; to counterpoise, counterbalance, counteract, or neutralize.
One expression . . . must check and balance another.
Balance
To compare in relative force, importance, value, etc.; to estimate.
Balance the good and evil of things.
Balance
To settle and adjust, as an account; to make two accounts equal by paying the difference between them.
I am very well satisfied that it is not in my power to balance accounts with my Maker.
Balance
To make the sums of the debits and credits of an account equal; - said of an item; as, this payment, or credit, balances the account.
Balance
To arrange accounts in such a way that the sum total of the debits is equal to the sum total of the credits; as, to balance a set of books.
Balance
To move toward, and then back from, reciprocally; as, to balance partners.
Balance
To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass; as, to balance the boom mainsail.
Balance
To have equal weight on each side; to be in equipoise; as, the scales balance.
Balance
To fluctuate between motives which appear of equal force; to waver; to hesitate.
He would not balance or err in the determination of his choice.
Balance
To move toward a person or couple, and then back.
Balance
A state of equilibrium
Balance
A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
Balance
Equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design);
In all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
Balance
Equality of distribution
Balance
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
Balance
The difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
Balance
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun in in Libra
Balance
The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
Balance
(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact correspondence of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
Balance
An equivalent counterbalancing weight
Balance
A wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
Balance
Bring into balance or equilibrium;
She has to balance work and her domestic duties
Balance the two weights
Balance
Compute credits and debits of an account
Balance
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Balance
Be in equilibrium;
He was balancing on one foot
Common Curiosities
How does balance differ from remaining in terms of measurement?
Balance measures overall standing or equilibrium, while remaining measures what's left against an original amount.
Why is balance important?
It indicates financial health or stability in various contexts.
How is 'remaining' used in budgeting?
It refers to the amount of budget left after certain expenses have been deducted.
What does balance mean in a bank account?
It's the total amount of money available in the account at any given time.
How can one keep track of remaining tasks efficiently?
By using task management tools or lists to monitor what tasks are still pending.
Can the concept of balance apply to lifestyle?
Yes, maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for personal well-being.
Can balance fluctuate?
Yes, especially in financial contexts, balance can fluctuate based on transactions.
Is 'remaining' always related to time or money?
No, it can relate to any quantifiable entity, such as resources or tasks.
What's the significance of knowing the remaining budget?
It helps in managing expenses and planning effectively to avoid overspending.
Can remaining increase?
Typically, remaining decreases as it denotes what's left after deductions or usage, but in some contexts like budget adjustments, it can increase.
What does it mean when remaining time is short?
It suggests that there is not much time left to complete tasks or enjoy an event.
How do balance and remaining relate to each other in financial terms?
The remaining balance on a loan, for example, is the portion of the original loan amount that has not yet been paid back.
Is it possible to have a negative balance?
Yes, in financial accounts, a negative balance indicates overdraft or debt.
How can understanding remaining resources benefit a project?
It allows for better resource allocation and ensures project completion within constraints.
Does balance only apply to finances?
No, it can also refer to physical, emotional, or situational equilibrium.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
