How to Make a Budget Spreadsheet + Free Printable Worksheet

Why Use a Budget Spreadsheet? 

Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, paying down debt, or just trying to feel more in control of your money, a budget spreadsheet is your best friend. It’s simple, flexible, and lets you see exactly where your money is going each month. 

With our free printable worksheet, you can calculate your monthly income, subtract your expenses, and quickly see if you’re on track - or if you need to cut back. 

7 Steps on How to Make a Budget Spreadsheet 

1. Open a spreadsheet program or use our free printable 
   Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or our printable PDF - pick the format that works for you. 
2. Create column headings 
   Include: Date, Income Source, Expense Category, Amount, and Notes. 
3. List your income sources 
   Add all after-tax income, including side hustles or part-time work. 
4. Categorize your expenses 
   Common categories: Housing, Transportation, Utilities, Groceries, Insurance, Debt, Savings, and Fun. 
5. Set monthly limits 
   Assign a spending limit for each category to avoid overspending. 
6. Use formulas for automatic calculations (if using Excel or Google Sheets) 
   A simple formula like =SUM(B2:B10) will total your expenses. 
7. Track and adjust 
   Review your spreadsheet weekly to see where you’re sticking to your plan—or where you can improve. 

Which Budgeting Method is Right for You? 

Zero-Based Budget 

Every dollar gets a job. Your income minus your expenses should equal zero—but that “zero” includes savings, debt payments, and fun money. 

Steps: 

1. Calculate your monthly income. 
2. List all expenses and goals. 
3. Assign every dollar to a category so nothing is left unplanned. 

(Our free printable uses this method.) 

50/30/20 Budget Rule 

Break your income into three buckets: 

• 50% Needs – Rent, utilities, groceries, transportation 
• 30% Wants – Dining out, shopping, hobbies 
• 20% Savings – Emergency fund, retirement, extra debt payments 

You can set this up in Excel using formulas to calculate percentages automatically. Try our 50/30/20 Budget Calculator for an instant breakdown. 

Where to Find Free Budget Templates 

If you’d rather skip building a spreadsheet from scratch, here are your options: 

• Our Free Printable Budget Worksheet – Member-friendly, easy to fill in by hand. 
• Excel and Google Sheets Templates – Available for free online with built-in formulas. 
• Budget Apps – Track spending from your phone with tools like Mint, YNAB, or EveryDollar. 

Other Ways to Track Your Budget 

• Budgeting Apps for automated tracking and categorization. 
• Envelope System for cash-based spending control. 
• Bank Account Alerts to get notified when you’re close to budget limits.