Free template · Excel · Sales and billing
Free estimate and quote template for Excel
A one-page estimate with tax, an optional deposit and an acceptance signature, plus a log that tracks your quotes from sent to accepted.
Estimate and quote template
Excel workbook (.xlsx) · 17 KB · 3 sheets
| Item | Description | Qty | Rate | Amount | Tax? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labour | Remove and dispose of old fixtures (hours) | 6 | 75.00 | 450.00 | Y |
| Materials | Fixtures and fittings, per attached list | 1 | 1,240.00 | 1,240.00 | Y |
| Subtotal | 1,690.00 | ||||
| ESTIMATE TOTAL | 1,690.00 | ||||
| Deposit required | |||||
| BALANCE ON COMPLETION | 1,690.00 |
What it is
An estimate (or quote) tells a customer what a job will cost before you start. When they sign it, it becomes the agreed price and scope.
This template prices the lines, adds tax, shows a deposit and the balance on completion, and has room for scope, exclusions and a signature.
Who it's for
- Contractors and trades pricing jobs
- Agencies and consultants quoting projects
- Any business that agrees a price before the work
What's in the file
| Sheet | What it holds |
|---|---|
| Estimate | The printable estimate: prepared for, job or site, 15 lines, discount, two tax lines, deposit required, balance on completion, scope and terms, and acceptance lines. |
| Estimate log | One row per estimate with status (Pending, Accepted, Declined, Expired), the invoice number once billed, a follow-up date, and totals including your win rate. |
| Instructions | How to fill it in and track it. |
How to use it
- Replace the shaded business details with your own.
- Enter the estimate number, date and how many days the price holds. Valid until fills in.
- Fill in the customer and the job or site.
- Price each line. Mark taxable lines Y and set the tax rates.
- Write the scope, exclusions and payment terms, and enter a deposit if you take one.
- Print or save as PDF and send it. Ask the customer to sign and date it.
- Log it on the Estimate log, and update the status when they answer.
Pale yellow cells are for your entries; white cells calculate. Nothing is locked, so you can rename lines, add rows inside a section, or change the layout. Each file has an Instructions sheet with these steps.
Download estimate and quote template (.xlsx)
Questions
What's the difference between an estimate and a quote?
Many businesses use the words the same way. Where there's a difference, a quote is a fixed price and an estimate is a best guess that can change. Say which you mean in the terms box so there's no argument later.
Is an estimate a bookkeeping entry?
No. Nothing goes in your books until you invoice. A deposit you collect is money you owe back until the work is done, so it's recorded as a customer deposit (a liability), not income.
How long should an estimate be valid?
Thirty days is common. Use a shorter period if your material prices move quickly. The template works out the Valid until date from the number of days you enter.
Can I change ESTIMATE to QUOTE?
Yes. Click the title cell and type QUOTE. Nothing else depends on it.
Related
- How to record customer deposits and retainers
- Job costing for contractors
- Accounting software for contractors
- All free templates
General information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Check with your accountant before relying on a template for a tax return.
AcboBooks
When the spreadsheet stops being enough
Retyping an accepted estimate as an invoice is where errors creep in. In AcboBooks an estimate turns into an invoice without retyping.
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