Skip to main content

Free Business Budget Templates

Download free spreadsheet templates for startup costs, employee budgets, cash flow forecasting, break-even analysis, and payroll taxes. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.

No ads No signup No tracking Last updated March 2026

Five free spreadsheet templates built for small business owners. Each includes pre-filled formulas so you can plug in your numbers and get instant results. All templates open in Excel, Google Sheets, and Apple Numbers.

No signup required — click any Download button below to get the file immediately.

Available Templates

Most Popular CSV • Opens in Excel / Google Sheets

Startup Cost Spreadsheet

Comprehensive template to estimate your total startup investment. Covers legal/registration, rent, equipment, staffing, marketing, insurance, and working capital — with one-time and monthly cost columns plus a 3-month total.

  • ✓ 30+ pre-filled line items across 8 categories
  • ✓ Automatic totals: one-time, monthly, and 3-month
  • ✓ 10% contingency buffer row included
CSV • Opens in Excel / Google Sheets

Employee Cost Budget Template

Calculate the true cost of hiring for up to 5 employees. Goes beyond salary to include FICA, FUTA, SUTA, workers' comp, benefits, PTO, and overhead — with automatic totals and cost multipliers.

  • ✓ Side-by-side comparison for up to 5 employees
  • ✓ Pre-built formulas for all federal payroll taxes
  • ✓ Benefits, PTO, and equipment costs included
CSV • Opens in Excel / Google Sheets

12-Month Cash Flow Forecast

Project your cash inflows and outflows month by month for the first year. Tracks revenue, fixed costs, variable costs, net cash flow, and running balance so you can spot cash crunches before they happen.

  • ✓ Month-by-month columns for a full year
  • ✓ Separate fixed and variable cost sections
  • ✓ Automatic opening and closing balance tracking
CSV • Opens in Excel / Google Sheets

Break-Even Analysis Worksheet

Find your break-even point: how many units you need to sell (or revenue you need to earn) to cover all your costs. Includes pessimistic, break-even, and optimistic profit projections.

  • ✓ Step-by-step: fixed costs, variable costs, selling price
  • ✓ Contribution margin and margin ratio calculated automatically
  • ✓ 3-scenario profit projection table
CSV • Opens in Excel / Google Sheets

Payroll Tax Quarterly Filing Checklist

Never miss a payroll tax deadline. Complete quarterly checklist for Form 941, SUTA, FUTA deposits, year-end W-2s, and 1099-NEC filings — with due dates and step-by-step task lists for each quarter.

  • ✓ Q1–Q4 checklists with specific due dates
  • ✓ Federal and state filing tasks covered
  • ✓ Year-end tasks (W-2, 1099-NEC, Form 940) included

Get notified when tax rates change

We monitor payroll tax rates, SUTA, and cost-of-living data across all 50 states. When rates change, we'll let you know. Free, no spam.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe with one click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these templates really free?

Yes, completely free. No email required, no account, no catch. Click Download and the file saves to your computer immediately.

What format are the files?

All templates are in CSV format, which opens in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (File → Import), Apple Numbers, and LibreOffice Calc. CSV files with formulas starting with "=" will be recognized as formulas when you open them in Excel or Google Sheets.

Do the formulas work in Google Sheets?

Yes. In Google Sheets, go to File → Import → Upload, select the CSV file, and choose "No" for "Convert text to numbers, dates, and formulas" — actually, you want to leave that on so formulas are recognized. The formulas use standard Excel/Sheets syntax (SUM, MIN, CEILING, etc.) supported by both platforms.

How current is the tax data?

The employee cost and payroll tax templates use 2025 federal tax rates (Social Security cap: $184,500, FUTA: 0.6% on first $7,000). State rates (SUTA, workers' comp) vary — use the Employee Cost Calculator for state-specific rates.

Can I customize these templates?

Absolutely. These are starting points — add rows, remove irrelevant cost categories, adjust the formulas, and make them work for your specific business. There's no license restriction on personal or commercial use.

Estimates only. These results are based on publicly available data and standard formulas. Actual costs may vary based on your specific circumstances. This calculator does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice on your situation.

Was this calculator helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve CostCrunch

Save Your Results

Download a professional PDF report with your complete analysis, charts, and key insights.

Get notified when tax rates change

We monitor payroll tax rates, SUTA, and cost-of-living data across all 50 states. When rates change, we'll let you know. Free, no spam.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe with one click.