BUSINESS SPREADSHEETS

Project budget template.

An editable project budget spreadsheet with cost categories, planned and actual costs, variance formulas and an optional contingency calculation.

See the completed example ↓

WHEN TO USE IT

A clearer next step.

Use this before a project starts, then update the actual-cost column as work progresses. Keeping scope and costs together helps identify where assumptions changed.

SEE IT IN CONTEXT

A completed example.

Fictional details · illustrative amounts

EXAMPLE WORKBOOK · USD

Project budget — Entries
CategoryCost itemPlannedActualRemaining
DesignDesign and production18001950-150
DevelopmentWebsite build24002100300
ContentCopy and illustrations800600200

The download includes Instructions, Summary and Entries sheets, with 200 prepared rows. Green cells contain formulas; blue cells are for your entries.

Budget lines

Category, cost item, planned cost, actual cost and remaining budget.

Variance convention

Remaining budget is planned minus actual. A negative value means the line is over its planned budget.

Summary

The workbook totals planned and actual costs and calculates an optional contingency on the planned total. The contingency is not counted as an incurred expense.

GOOD TO KNOW

A few useful answers.

How do I use this template?

Download the workbook and open Instructions first. Set the currency label on Summary, then enter records in the blue cells on Entries. The green formula cells calculate the results. The completed workbook demonstrates the formulas with fictional data.

Can I edit and reuse it?

Yes. Adapt it for your own work and keep a copy for future use. The workbook has 200 prepared entry rows; extend the formulas and summary ranges if you need more.

Are the completed example details real?

No. Names, dates, amounts and scenarios in the completed example are illustrative. They show how to organize the document; they are not recommended fees, actual payment instructions or records of a real transaction.

Keep a good thing going.

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