Expense Tracker Template (Free Excel Download)
A simple Excel expense tracker. Type each expense once and get totals by category, totals by month and a chart without writing a formula.
Download the free Excel template (.xlsx)
Free. No email or sign-up needed. One Excel file, 4 sheets.
What is inside the expense tracker template
Tracking expenses is the first step to a budget you can stick to. This template gives you one place to record every payment and a summary that updates by itself. It is built for personal use, freelancers and small businesses that do not need full accounting software.
| Sheet | What it does |
|---|---|
| Expenses | Log date, description, category, payment method, amount and notes. Room for 100 entries, with drop-down lists for category and payment method. |
| Summary | Pick a year and see totals by category with percentage share, totals for each month, the average month, the highest month and a column chart. |
| Lists | The category names used in the drop-down. Rename them to match your own spending. |
| 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 expense tracker template
- Open the Expenses sheet and delete the sample rows (rows 5 to 12).
- Enter each expense with a date, a short description, a category and the amount.
- Open the Summary sheet and type the year you want in the yellow cell. Totals and the chart update immediately.
- Rename or add categories on the Lists sheet. There are 12 category slots.
- Need more than 100 rows? Copy the last row down and extend the ranges in the Summary formulas.
Tips for tracking expenses
- Enter expenses weekly so nothing is forgotten.
- Use the same category every time for the same type of spending, so the summary stays useful.
- Review the category totals each month and compare them with your budget. Our free monthly budget template pairs with this tracker.
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 expense tracker really free?
Yes. You can download and use it without paying or signing up.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
It is designed for Microsoft Excel. You can open it in Google Sheets, but some features, such as the chart styling and internal links, may look different.
How many expenses can it hold?
The Expenses sheet has 100 rows. You can copy the last row down to add more and extend the ranges in the Summary formulas.
Can I change the categories?
Yes. Edit the names on the Lists sheet and the drop-down and the Summary update.
Can I use it for my business?
Yes, for simple tracking. It is not accounting software and does not replace advice from an accountant.
Free template by Softotech Solutions. For educational and general use only, not financial, tax or legal advice.
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