AvoEstimate Template for Excel (Free)
An Excel estimate adds the one thing PDF and Word cannot: math. Quantity × rate per line, subtotal, tax on taxable lines, the deposit due on acceptance and the estimated total all calculate, so changing one rate updates the whole estimate. The sheet is laid out to print on one page with the scope, the valid-until date and an acceptance line.
Free, one page, US Letter. No email, no sign-up. It opens in Excel, Google Sheets (File → Import) and Numbers with the formulas intact.
Same layout in other formats: Fillable PDF · Word (.docx)
The layout: header, bill-to block, line table, totals, terms. Same in every format; the format changes how you fill it.
How to use the Excel template
- Open and set the masterYour business details, your tax rate (0 if none), your deposit percentage and terms. Save as “Estimate master.xlsx”.
- For each job: scope, lines, datesType the scope in the scope cell, then description, quantity and rate per line; amounts and totals calculate. Set the estimate number and valid-until date.
- Check the print previewFile → Print, fit to one page, portrait. Do this once; the master keeps the setting.
- Save as PDF and sendFile → Save As → PDF (or Download → PDF in Sheets). Send the PDF.
Where Excel is the right choice
Good
- Totals, tax and deposit calculate
- Change a rate and everything updates
- Works in Excel, Sheets and Numbers
Watch out
- Looks like a spreadsheet if formatting is lost
- Formulas can be overwritten by typing in the wrong cell
- Scope text is limited to the scope cell
Word vs PDF vs Excel
| Word | Excel / Sheets | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Totals calculate | No | No | Yes |
| Edit the layout | Yes | No | Partly |
| Fill on a phone | Partly | Yes | Partly |
| Needs an account | No | No | Google or Excel |
| Sends as | Save as PDF | Download as PDF | |
| Best for | Custom look | Fastest, any device | Math and a log |
Fill it on your iPhone in a minute instead
Avo keeps your clients and your usual line items, so the next invoice is three taps. Your first three documents are free, full-quality PDF, no watermark. Premium from $59.99/year if you invoice often.
Scan the code with your iPhone camera to open Avo in the App Store, or email yourself the link.
Questions
Does Excel have an estimate template?
The Office template gallery has quote and estimate sheets. They vary in quality and most lack a deposit line and an acceptance line; this one has both and a tax column for taxable lines only.
How does the deposit calculate?
Set the deposit percentage in its cell (for example 30%) and the sheet shows the deposit due on acceptance under the estimated total. Change it to 0 for no deposit.
Can I use it in Google Sheets?
Yes: File → Import → Upload the .xlsx. Formulas carry over. Make a copy per estimate and download as PDF to send.
How do I keep the formulas safe?
Type only in the description, quantity, rate and tax-flag cells. If a formula breaks, copy a blank line from the master.