Daily takings and expenses log
Write down each day's takings and expenses, and see the day's profit, the running total and your best and worst days.
The simplest way to know how the business is doing is to write down what came in and what went out every day. This log records the date, the takings and the expenses, works out the profit for the day and a running total, and shows the totals, the average day and the best day.
Market traders, kiosks, salons, mama mbogas, boda boda operators and small shops who want a quick daily record without learning accounting.
What is included
- Takings, expenses and profit for each day
- Running total of profit
- Total takings, expenses and profit
- Best day and average profit per day
- Room for 400 days
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How to use it
- Each evening, enter the date, the day's takings and the day's expenses.
- Read the profit for the day and the running total.
- Check the totals and the best day at the top.
- Start a new copy each month.
Templates are tools to help with your own records. They are not tax or legal advice. Check the figures against official sources before filing or paying.
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What the daily takings and expenses log does
The simplest way to know how the business is doing is to write down what came in and what went out every day. This log records the date, the takings and the expenses, works out the profit for the day and a running total, and shows the totals, the average day and the best day.
Who it is for
Market traders, kiosks, salons, mama mbogas, boda boda operators and small shops who want a quick daily record without learning accounting.
How to use the workbook
- Each evening, enter the date, the day's takings and the day's expenses.
- Read the profit for the day and the running total.
- Check the totals and the best day at the top.
- Start a new copy each month.
- Save a copy under a new name for each month or year, so earlier records stay as they were.
What is inside
- Takings, expenses and profit for each day
- Running total of profit
- Total takings, expenses and profit
- Best day and average profit per day
- Room for 400 days
The workbook has these sheets: Instructions, Log. The main table has the columns Date; Takings; Expenses; Profit for the day; Running profit; Notes. Yellow cells are for you to fill in and grey cells calculate by themselves, so leave the grey cells alone. The example rows show how it works; type over them with your own entries.
Tips for getting it right
- Write it down before you go home, while you remember.
- Count money in and out separately from personal spending.
- Compare weeks, not just days, to spot a trend.
- Keep your receipts for the big costs.
Why keep this record
Running a business on memory works until it grows. Writing the numbers down turns opinions into facts you can compare month to month, and shows early which products, customers or costs deserve attention. Even a simple workbook, used every week, usually beats a sophisticated one that is opened once a year.
Questions people ask
Do I need to know Excel formulas? No. Type into the yellow cells and the rest is worked out for you. The formulas are visible if you want to see how a figure is reached.
Can I add rows or change the layout? You can add your own columns to the right and your own notes. If you insert rows inside a table, copy the grey formula cells down so the new rows calculate too.
Will it work on my phone or in Google Sheets? Yes for viewing and typing, but dropdown lists and the charts look best in desktop Excel or LibreOffice.
Keeping it safe and up to date
A plan is only as good as the numbers you put in. Start with honest estimates, update the workbook as real figures arrive, and compare the two so your next estimate is better. Save a dated copy each month so you can see how your thinking changed.
Read how to build a cash flow forecast for the wider picture. See more business templates or ask us for a custom one.
The workbook works in Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets. It is a tool to help you work out and record figures, not tax, legal or accounting advice, and it is not affiliated with the Kenya Revenue Authority. If something does not work as described, contact us and we will put it right.
Related guides, calculators and templates
- Guide: How to build a 12-month cash flow forecast for a small business
- Guide: How to price your products and services: markup, margin and break-even
- Guide: Turnover tax for small businesses in Kenya: rate, limits and when to use it
- Another template: 12-month cash flow forecast
- Another template: Break-even and pricing calculator
- Another template: Budget versus actual tracker
Need something different? Request a custom template, browse all guides or see every Excel template.
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