A simple monthly budget spreadsheet needs a month, an income figure, spending categories and columns for planned and actual amounts. Add totals and a clearly labeled difference column, then review the numbers regularly. Start with a layout you can keep updated before adding extra charts.
This tutorial is about organizing information. It does not choose spending targets for you or provide investment, tax or personalized financial advice.
1. Choose one month and consistent categories
Put the month at the top and use the same time period for the numbers you compare. Keep your income figure separate from expenses so the sheet does not accidentally add them together.
Start with categories you recognize from your own records. For example, a small practice sheet might include Groceries, Transport and Household. These are illustrative categories, not a suggested budget for your household. You can add detail later if a broad category hides information you actually need.
2. Give each column one job
Use four columns: Category, Planned, Actual and Actual minus planned. Put the headers in row 1 and the first category in row 2.
For an illustrative row, enter Groceries in A2, 300 in B2 and 325 in C2. In D2, enter =C2-B2. The result is 25: actual spending is 25 more than planned. A negative result would mean actual spending is lower than planned. Label the column explicitly so the sign is not confusing.
This is a new practice-sheet example. It is not a claim about the cell addresses or formula layout in the Creator Supply Co. workbook.
3. Add totals and check the range
If the category rows run from 2 through 6, a planned total can use =SUM(B2:B6) and an actual total can use =SUM(C2:C6). Microsoft's SUM guide explains how a range is added.
Before trusting a total, calculate two or three entries by hand and compare the result. Check that currency amounts are numeric values, that a formula has not been replaced by typed text and that newly added categories are included in the total range.
Keep notes for unusual entries. A one-off purchase can be easier to understand next month if you record what it was rather than leaving only a number.
4. Replace sample figures before using a template
The Budget Spreadsheet for Google Sheets & Excel provides an editable XLSX workbook with monthly category budgeting, planned/actual variance and comparison charts. It also includes a 50/30/20 reference split. That reference is a comparison feature, not a requirement for how anyone must allocate income.
Replace the marked sample entries with your own month, take-home income, categories and amounts. Look at the formulas and charts after editing categories. A visual chart is only as useful as the entries feeding it.
5. Check an Excel file after importing into Sheets
This product supplies an XLSX file and Google Sheets import instructions; it does not supply a hosted Google Sheets copy. Google documents working with Excel and Sheets, including importing an Excel file into a new or existing spreadsheet.
After conversion, inspect formulas, charts and dropdowns before relying on the sheet. Compare a few totals with the original XLSX. Keep the original download so you can return to an untouched copy if a conversion or edit changes the layout.
6. Review the differences, then keep a record
Pick a regular time to update actual amounts from your records. At the end of the month, inspect large differences and note what caused them. Some reflect timing, some a one-time expense and some an assumption worth revisiting.
Save a separate copy for each month if you want a history. Avoid overwriting the only completed version while preparing the next one. Do not put account passwords or payment-card numbers into a planning worksheet.
Browse Budget & Finance for spreadsheet and printable options. Choose the format you are willing to maintain, and keep the first version simple enough to check.