What is the primary role of accounts with a debit normal balance?

Accounts with a debit normal balance primarily serve to hold resources owned by a business, also referred to as assets. When a business records an increase in assets, the entry is made on the debit side of the account. This is foundational in accounting because the accounting equation—Assets = Liabilities + Equity—dictates that assets must be recorded correctly to reflect the true financial position of the company.

For example, cash, inventory, and accounts receivable are all asset accounts that normally carry a debit balance. When a business acquires more cash, inventory, or any other asset, the respective account is debited, indicating an increase in the resources available to the business. This is aligned with the double-entry accounting system, where debits and credits must always balance.

Understanding the role of accounts with a debit normal balance helps in grasping how different account types interact within financial statements, providing a clear view of a company's resources at any given time.