Free template
Free small business budget template
Set a monthly budget for each category, type what actually happened, and see each month and the year against the plan.
What is inside
- Budget tab Up to 20 categories, each marked income or expense, with a monthly amount.
- Actuals tab What actually came in and went out, by category and month.
- Summary tab Budget against actual for income, expenses and net, by month and for the year so far.
How to use it
- List your categories on the Budget tab and give each a monthly amount.
- Replace the example January on the Actuals tab with your own numbers.
- At each month end, type that month's actuals.
- Open the Summary tab to see where you are ahead of or behind the plan.
Using it in Google Sheets
- Open Google Sheets and choose File, then Import, then Upload, and pick the downloaded file.
- Choose "Replace spreadsheet" or "Insert new sheet(s)".
- Check the formulas and the dropdown lists after the import. Most carry over, but Google Sheets handles a few functions and formats differently.
Things to watch
- Budget from history. Start from what the last few months actually were, then adjust. A budget built on hope is missed every month.
- Empty months don't count against you. The year-so-far line only counts months with actuals, so a month you have not entered never looks like a miss.
- Same categories on both tabs. Actuals follow the Budget list, so rename categories in one place.
- It plans, it does not predict cash. A budget shows profit against plan. For when cash comes and goes, use a cash flow forecast.
Questions
How is a budget different from a profit and loss?
A profit and loss shows what happened. A budget is the plan you compare it with.
Can I add categories?
Yes, up to 20 on the Budget tab. They appear on the Actuals tab automatically.
Can I use it in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the file to Google Sheets and check the totals after the import.
How often should I update it?
Once a month, after you close the month's books, is enough for most small businesses.
Want a fuller version with worked examples? See 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast in the store. This free template stays free either way.
Want more than a template? See Budget vs Actual Workbook.
Want every toolkit? The toolkit membership includes all of them, with a lower rate if you pay yearly.
Related: Free profit and loss template, Free income and expense tracker, Break-even calculator, Bookkeeping health check, or all free templates.
These templates track your own numbers. They are not tax, legal or accounting advice, and MCC Solutions is not a CPA firm. Ask your CPA how rules apply to you.