What the notes explain
A balance-sheet line shows an amount at a date, while a note may explain how it changed: new accruals, use, remeasurement and other movements. For example, an increase in a liability does not necessarily equal the expense for the period if part of the liability was settled. Without the movement in the balance, the arithmetic of the totals is insufficient.
Distinctions and review
Do not confuse the notes with management commentary. Their status, metric definitions and scope of audit review may differ. For practical work, keep the note number next to each amount used and return to it when analytical assumptions change. Related reading: [financial statements roadmap](/guides/financial-statements-roadmap/) and [balance sheet](/guides/balance-sheet/).