A free example of a balance sheet

You will find a balance sheet tailored to your project in our list of 200+ financial plans

All our financial plans do include a balance sheet.

How can you create a balance sheet effortlessly?

In this article, we provide a free tool to do so. If you're looking for something more tailored to your specific project, feel free to browse our list of financial plans, customized for over 200 different project types here.

We'll also address the following questions:

What are the key elements to include in a balance sheet?
How long does it typically take to prepare a balance sheet?
Which software can help in creating a balance sheet?
What is the average cost of accounting software for a small business?
How can the accuracy of data in a balance sheet be verified?
How often should a balance sheet be updated?
What is the average percentage of errors found during the first review of a balance sheet?

Here Are the Steps to Create a Balance Sheet Effortlessly

To skip all these steps, you can simply download a financial forecast tailored to your industry.

• 1. Gather Initial Financial Data:

  Collect all relevant financial information, including cash from investors, inventory (raw materials or products), and prepaid expenses (such as rent and insurance).

• 2. List Assets:

  Itemize all assets, including cash, inventory, and prepaid expenses. Sum these amounts to get the total assets.

• 3. List Liabilities:

  Identify all liabilities, such as loans and accounts payable (outstanding bills). Sum these amounts to get the total liabilities.

• 4. Calculate Equity:

  Subtract the total liabilities from the total assets to determine the equity. This represents the net worth of the business.

• 5. Create the Balance Sheet:

  Organize the information into a balance sheet format, listing assets on one side and liabilities and equity on the other. Ensure that the total assets equal the sum of liabilities and equity.

• 6. Review and Verify:

  Double-check all figures and calculations to ensure accuracy. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your financial statements.

What Should Be Included in a Balance Sheet?

Here are the key elements that should be included, all of which you will find in our financial forecasts tailored to 200+ different business projects.

Element	Description	Examples	Category
Assets	Resources owned by the company that have economic value	Cash, Accounts Receivable, Inventory, Property, Plant, and Equipment	Current Assets, Non-Current Assets
Liabilities	Obligations the company owes to outside parties	Accounts Payable, Short-term Debt, Long-term Debt	Current Liabilities, Non-Current Liabilities
Equity	The residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting liabilities	Common Stock, Retained Earnings	Shareholders' Equity
Current Assets	Assets that are expected to be converted into cash within one year	Cash, Accounts Receivable, Inventory	Assets
Non-Current Assets	Assets that are not expected to be converted into cash within one year	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Intangible Assets	Assets
Current Liabilities	Obligations that are due within one year	Accounts Payable, Short-term Debt	Liabilities
Non-Current Liabilities	Obligations that are due after one year	Long-term Debt, Deferred Tax Liabilities	Liabilities
Shareholders' Equity	The owners' claim after all liabilities have been deducted from assets	Common Stock, Retained Earnings	Equity

Our financial forecasts are comprehensive and will help you secure financing from the bank or investors.

Common Questions You May Have

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- How to forecast revenue in Excel?
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- How to make a balance sheet projection?

What are the essential components of a balance sheet?

A balance sheet consists of three main components: assets, liabilities, and equity.

Assets are what the company owns, liabilities are what the company owes, and equity represents the owner's interest in the company.

Ensuring these components are accurately recorded is crucial for a reliable balance sheet.

How often should a balance sheet be updated?

For most businesses, a balance sheet should be updated at least once a month to ensure accurate financial tracking.

However, some companies may choose to update their balance sheets quarterly or annually, depending on their reporting requirements.

Regular updates help in making informed financial decisions and maintaining financial health.

What software can simplify the creation of a balance sheet?

Popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks can significantly simplify the creation of a balance sheet.

These tools offer templates and automated features that reduce manual entry and errors.

Using such software can save time and improve the accuracy of your financial statements.

How long does it typically take to prepare a balance sheet?

The time required to prepare a balance sheet can vary, but with efficient software, it can take as little as 1 to 2 hours.

For more complex businesses, it might take up to a few days to gather all necessary information and ensure accuracy.

Regular updates and organized financial records can significantly reduce preparation time.

What is the typical cost of accounting software for balance sheet preparation?

The cost of accounting software can range from $10 to $70 per month for small businesses.

More advanced software with additional features may cost up to $200 per month or more.

Investing in good software can save time and reduce errors, making it a worthwhile expense.

How can you ensure the accuracy of your balance sheet?

Regularly reconciling your accounts and cross-checking entries can help ensure the accuracy of your balance sheet.

Using accounting software with built-in error-checking features can also reduce the risk of mistakes.

Consulting with a professional accountant periodically can provide an additional layer of accuracy and reliability.

What is the average size of a balance sheet for a small business?

The average size of a balance sheet for a small business typically includes 10 to 20 line items under assets, liabilities, and equity.

These line items can vary depending on the complexity and nature of the business.

Keeping the balance sheet concise yet comprehensive is key to effective financial management.