Stock take count sheet

What the stock take count sheet does

A stock take shows what you really hold. List each item with the quantity on your records, the quantity you counted and its unit cost, and the sheet works out the difference in units and in shillings, flags the items that do not agree and totals the value of any surplus or shortage.

Who it is for

Shops, stores and warehouses that count stock, and anyone who prepares year-end stock figures.

How to use the workbook

1. List each item with its quantity on record and its unit cost.
2. Count the stock and enter the quantity counted.
3. Read the difference in units and in value.
4. Investigate every item that does not agree before you adjust the records.
5. Save a copy under a new name for each month or year, so earlier records stay as they were.

What is inside

• Quantity on record against counted
• Difference in units and in shillings
• Agrees or check flag
• Total surplus and shortage value
• Count of items to investigate

The workbook has these sheets: Instructions, Count, Summary. The main table has the columns Item; Unit cost; Quantity on record; Quantity counted; Difference (units); Difference (value); Result. 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

• Count with two people and record both counts.
• Stop sales and deliveries during the count.
• Recount anything that differs.
• Keep the signed sheet with the year's accounts.

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: Annual operating budget by department
• Another template: Break-even and pricing calculator

Need something different? Request a custom template, browse all guides or see every Excel template.