A business budget template with a built-in KPI dashboard
This business budget template lets you plan the year, compare results to plan each month, and watch your key numbers on one dashboard. As a result, you can catch problems early instead of finding them at tax time.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Who it’s for
It’s designed for small business owners who want a clear monthly view of their numbers without complex software. It also suits advisors who review budgets with clients.
What the business budget template helps you do
- Build a 12-month budget by category
- Compare budget vs. actual with automatic variances
- Track KPIs like margin, cash, and revenue growth
- See everything at a glance on one dashboard
What’s included
- Start Here and Setup tabs
- Budget, Actuals, and Budget vs Actual tabs
- KPI Inputs, KPIs, and Dashboard tabs (Excel)
How it works
First, set up your categories and fiscal year. Next, enter your budget for each month. Then, add actual results after each month closes. Finally, review the dashboard and adjust your plan as needed.
Why a budget matters
A budget turns goals into numbers you can measure. For more guidance, see the SBA’s page on managing your finances. To look further ahead on cash, pair it with our 13-week cash flow forecast.
Business budget template FAQ
Do I need accounting software to use it? No. You can type totals from any system, or even from bank statements. Still, numbers from clean books make the dashboard far more useful.
Can I change the categories? Yes. Rename the income and expense lines on the Setup tab to match your books, and the budget, actuals, and dashboard update to match.
How often should I update actuals? Once a month, right after your books are closed. Then review the dashboard and note any big variances while the month is still fresh.
Want help building your budget? Work with us at LNS Accounting & Business Consultants.
Format: Excel. Instant download. General information only. Not financial advice.