Budget Template Excel (Free Monthly Budget)
A free monthly budget spreadsheet for Excel. Enter planned and actual amounts and see the difference, the status and your savings rate right away.
Download the free Excel template (.xlsx)
Free. No email or sign-up needed. One Excel file, 3 sheets.
What is inside the monthly budget template
A budget works when you compare the plan with what really happened. This template lists income and the usual expense groups, shows the difference for each line and flags anything that is over budget. Use one copy of the file for each month.
| Sheet | What it does |
|---|---|
| Budget | Income lines and seven expense groups (housing, utilities, food, transport, health and insurance, debt and savings, lifestyle) with planned and actual columns, difference, status, group subtotals, money left to save and savings rate. |
| Chart | A planned versus actual column chart by expense group. |
| Read me | Short instructions. |
Colour key: yellow cells are for your own numbers and text. Green cells calculate automatically, so leave them alone. Sample data is included so you can see how it works, and you can delete it.
How to use the monthly budget template
- Type the month in the yellow cell at the top of the Budget sheet.
- Fill in the Planned column with what you expect to earn and spend.
- During the month, fill in the Actual column. The Difference and Status columns update automatically.
- Check the Left to save or spend row and the savings rate at the bottom.
- Rename any line or change the amounts. Save a copy of the file for the next month.
Budgeting tips
- Set planned amounts from last month’s real spending, not from guesses.
- Treat savings and debt payments as bills you pay first.
- Review the lines marked Over budget and decide whether to change the habit or the plan.
Free to use. Need a version built around your business?
We build custom Excel and Google Sheets templates and automation with a fixed quote. See our ready-made paid templates or tell us what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is this budget template free?
Yes. You can download and use it without paying or signing up.
How do I use it each month?
Save a copy of the file for each month, update the month name, enter your plan and fill in the actuals as the month goes on.
Can I add my own categories?
Yes. Rename any line. If you insert a new row inside a group, copy the formulas from the row above and check that the group subtotal still includes it.
What does the savings rate show?
It divides the money left over (actual income minus actual expenses) by actual income.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a planning tool for general use. Talk to a qualified adviser for personal financial advice.
Free template by Softotech Solutions. For educational and general use only, not financial, tax or legal advice.
More free tools: Free Excel templates · Paid Excel templates · All free calculators · Expense tracker template