Under Periodic Accounting is the 'Purchases' Account a Balance Sheet or P&L Account

[ptownbro]

I've gone through countless examples of the difference between periodic versus perpetual accounting and none of them ever clearly state whether or not the 'Purchases' account under periodic accounting is a Balance Sheet or P&L account. Can someone tell me and provide reference(s) to verify and read further (if possible)?

Why this matters is if I do my physical count at the end of the quarter, I'd like to know what my P&L will be in first 2 months of that quarter. Whether the purchases account is on the Balance Sheet or P&L makes a big difference.

Basic Example:
1. Beginning inventory is 200 units at $10 = $2,000
2. In each of months 1, 2, and 3 you purchase 600 units at $10 for $6,000 each month = $18,000
3. In each of months 1, 2, and 3 you sell 400 units at $20 for $4,000 each month = $24,000
4. Ending inventory in month 3 is 800 units at $10 = $8,000

Journals:
Mth 1
Dr. Purchases 6,000
Cr. Cash -6,000
Dr. Cash 4,000
Cr. Sales -4,000

Mth 2
Dr. Purchases 6,000
Cr. Cash -6,000
Dr. Cash 4,000
Cr. Sales -4,000

Mth 3
Dr. Purchases 6,000
Cr. Cash -6,000
Dr. Cash 4,000
Cr. Sales -4,000
Dr. COGS 12,000
Dr. Inventory 6,000
Cr. Purchases -18,000