Understand everyday spending · Google Sheets
Record everyday transactions, see spending by category, and follow your month-to-date spending without counting transfers twice.
Free · personal use
Free for personal use. No payment or email required. Copy directly to Google Sheets, or import the downloaded .xlsx file into Google Sheets. Desktop Google Sheets is the supported editor.
Manual entry with fixed categories. Expense adds spending, Refund reduces it, and Transfer is excluded. No automatic bank import. Desktop Google Sheets is the supported format.
Record $1,000 in rent and $120 in groceries, then include a $20 refund. Net spending is $1,100. A $500 transfer between your accounts stays separate from spending, so moving money does not count as another expense.
| Recorded activity | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $120 |
| Refund | −$20 |
| Net spending | $1,100 |
| Income | $2,000 |
| Income less spending | $900 |
The $900 is income less recorded net spending, rather than a bank balance. This example uses fictional transactions. The tracker summarizes the records you enter and does not import transactions from your accounts.
Inside the workbook
Explore Dashboard, try a yellow input in Example, and see where your records go. The figures below are examples.
Net spending by category
Housing is the largest spending category in this example.
Sample workbook figures. Figures use fictional inputs.
Net spending: $1,100. Transfers do not count as spending.
| Date | Description | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/02/2026 | Paycheck | Income | $2,000 |
| 10/03/2026 | Rent | Expense | $1,000 |
| 10/04/2026 | Groceries | Expense | $120 |
| 10/05/2026 | Returned item | Refund | $20 |
| 10/06/2026 | Between accounts | Transfer | $500 |
Sample figures in USD. The example is separate from the records in your own workbook.
Enter dates, preset categories, transaction types and positive amounts. Refunds reduce spending; transfers are excluded.
| Date | Category | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/03/2026 | Housing | Expense | $1,000 |
| 10/04/2026 | Groceries | Expense | $120 |
| 10/05/2026 | Shopping | Refund | $20 |
Use a Google account to copy the workbook into your own Drive after receiving your template.
Change a yellow input in Example. Practice figures stay separate from your own plan.
Add your inputs, then review Dashboard. Leave formula cells intact.
No bank connection, add-on, or Apps Script authorization required. Desktop setup is recommended.
User feedback
Feedback about this template.
User review
Expense Tracker
I didn't realize how quickly all my small purchases were adding up. Tracking my expenses has been a real eye-opener, especially with coffee runs and online shopping. The layout is clean and really easy to follow.
User review
Expense Tracker
Sometimes you don't realize where your money is going until you actually write it down. This tracker makes that process really straightforward. I've already spotted a few spending habits I want to change.
User review
Expense Tracker
As a freelancer, I really need to know where my money goes. This tracker makes it easy to stay on top of everyday spending. It's been especially useful for keeping personal expenses from getting lost in the shuffle.
User review
Expense Tracker
I started using this because I wanted to cut back on unnecessary spending. It's amazing how much more aware I've become of my purchases. The spreadsheet is simple enough that I actually remember to update it.
User review
Expense Tracker
Such a helpful little tool for keeping my spending organized. I especially like being able to look back and see where my money went during the month. It's simple, but it really helps me stay accountable.
One workbook, a clear routine
One Google Sheets workbook with 6 tabs for setup, practice and your everyday plan.
Group purchases by category
Handle income, refunds and transfers
Follow cumulative spending through the month
Follow a practical example, one step at a time.
Choose the free copy link and save the workbook in your own Google Drive.
Change a yellow input. Practice is separate from your own financial plan.
Follow Start Here, add your own inputs, and review Dashboard.
Before you choose
For personal transaction records and category spending, not business accounting or reimbursement.
User review
Expense Tracker
Sometimes you don't realize where your money is going until you actually write it down. This tracker makes that process really straightforward. I've already spotted a few spending habits I want to change.
Free · personal use
Manual entry with fixed categories. Expense adds spending, Refund reduces it, and Transfer is excluded. No automatic bank import. Desktop Google Sheets is the supported format.
Free for personal use. No payment or email required. Copy directly to Google Sheets, or import the downloaded .xlsx file into Google Sheets. Desktop Google Sheets is the supported editor.
Yes. Get a free Google Sheets copy or download the workbook for personal use. No payment or email is required.
Google Sheets for desktop use. A Google account is required to create your own copy. Excel is not an available delivery format.
You can browse and try the website examples on your phone. Use Google Sheets in a desktop browser to set up and edit your workbook.
No bank connection, automatic bank import, add-on or Apps Script permission is required. Enter your own numbers in your own workbook copy.
One Google Sheets workbook with setup guidance and practice examples included as tabs. A downloadable workbook is also available for importing into Google Sheets.
Use the yellow input cells and follow Start Here. Leave formula cells intact. Transaction categories are preset. Inserting extra rows does not expand the supported capacity.
Up to 500 transactions and 13 preset spending categories; archive a copy when full.
No. The current workbook is free for personal use.
Choose Get free Google Sheets copy. Sign in to Google, then choose Make a copy to save it to your own Drive.
See Help for copying, importing and getting started. These free workbooks do not require a payment.
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