Free Financial Projection and Forecasting Templates

By Andy Marker | January 3, 2024

We’ve collected the top free financial projection and forecasting templates. These templates enable business owners, CFOs, accountants, and financial analysts to plan future growth, manage cash flow, attract investors, and make informed decisions. 

On this page, you'll find many helpful, free, customizable financial projection and forecasting templates, including a 12-month financial projection template, a startup financial projection template, a 3-year financial projection template, and a small business financial forecast template, among others. You’ll also find details on the elements in a financial projection templatetypes of financial projection and forecasting templates, and related financial templates.

Simple Financial Projection Template

Simple Financial Projection Example Template

Download a Sample Simple Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank Simple Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 
 

Small business owners and new entrepreneurs are the ideal users for this simple financial projection template. Just input your expected revenues and expenses. This template stands out due to its ease of use and focus on basic, straightforward financial planning, making it perfect for small-scale or early-stage businesses. Available with or without sample text, this tool offers clear financial oversight, better budget management, and informed decision-making regarding future business growth. 


Looking for help with your business plan? Check out these free financial templates for a business plan to streamline the process of organizing your business's financial information and presenting it effectively to stakeholders.

Financial Forecast Template

Financial Forecast Example Template

Download a Sample Financial Forecast Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank Financial Forecast Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 


This template is perfect for businesses that require a detailed and all-encompassing forecast. Users can input various financial data, such as projected revenues, costs, and market trends, to generate a complete financial outlook. Available with or without example text, this template gives you a deeper understanding of your business's financial trajectory, aiding in strategic decision-making and long-term financial stability. 


These free cash-flow forecast templates help you predict your business’s future cash inflows and outflows, allowing you to manage liquidity and optimize financial planning.

12-Month Financial Projection Template

12-Month Financial Projection Example Template

Download a Sample 12-Month Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank 12-Month Financial Projection Template for 

Excel | Google Sheets 


Use this 12-month financial projection template for better cash-flow management, more accurate budgeting, and enhanced readiness for short-term financial challenges and opportunities. Input estimated monthly revenues and expenses, tracking financial performance over the course of a year. Available with or without sample text, this template is ideal for business owners who need to focus on short-term financial planning. This tool allows you to respond quickly to market shifts and plan effectively for the business's crucial first year. 


Download free sales forecasting templates to help your business predict future sales, enabling better inventory management, resource planning, and decision-making.

Startup Financial Projection Template

Startup Financial Projection Example Template

Download a Sample Startup Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank Startup Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 


This dynamic startup financial projection template is ideal for startup founders and entrepreneurs, as it's designed specifically for the unique needs of startups. Available with or without example text, this template focuses on clearly outlining a startup's initial financial trajectory, an essential component for attracting investors. Users can input projected revenues, startup costs, and funding sources to create a comprehensive financial forecast.

3-Year Financial Projection Template

3-Year Financial Projection Example Template

Download a Sample 3-Year Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank 3-Year Financial Projection Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 


This three-year financial projection template is particularly useful for business strategists and financial planners who are looking for a medium-term financial planning tool. Input data such as projected revenues, expenses, and growth rates for the next three years. Available with or without sample text, this template lets you anticipate financial challenges and opportunities in the medium term, aiding in strategic decision-making and ensuring sustained business growth.

5-Year Financial Forecasting Template

5-Year Financial Forecasting Example Template

Download a Sample 5-Year Financial Forecasting Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank 5-Year Financial Forecasting Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 


CFOs and long-term business planners can use this five-year financial forecasting template to get a clear, long-range financial vision. Available with or without example text, this template allows you to plan strategically and invest wisely, preparing your business for future market developments and opportunities. This unique tool offers an extensive outlook for your business’s financial strategy. Simply input detailed financial data spanning five years, including revenue projections, investment plans, and expected market growth. Visually engaging bar charts of key metrics help turn data into engaging narratives.

Small Business Financial Forecast Template

Small Business Financial Forecast Example Template

Download a Sample Small Business Financial Forecast Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 

Download a Blank Small Business Financial Forecast Template for 

Excel  | Google Sheets 


The small business financial forecast template is tailored specifically for the scale and specific requirements of small enterprises. Business owners and financial managers can simply input data such as projected sales or expenses. Available with or without sample text, this tool offers the ability to do the following: envision straightforward financial planning; anticipate future financial needs and challenges; make informed decisions; and steer the business toward steady growth.

Elements in a Financial Projection Template

The elements in a financial projection template include future sales, costs, profits, and cash flow. This template illustrates expected receivables, payables, and break-even dates. This tool helps you plan for your business's financial future and growth.   


Here are the standard elements in a financial projection template: 
 

  • Revenue Projection: This estimates future income from various sources over a specific period.
  • Expense Forecast: This predicts future costs, including both fixed and variable expenses.
  • Profit and Loss Forecast: This projects the profit or loss by subtracting projected expenses from projected revenues.
  • Cash-Flow Projection: This assesses the inflows and outflows of cash, indicating liquidity over time.
  • Balance Sheet Projection: This predicts the future financial position, showing assets, liabilities, and equity.
  • Break-Even Analysis: This calculates the point at which total revenues equal total costs.
  • Capital Expenditure Forecast: This estimates future spending on fixed assets such as equipment or property.
  • Debt Repayment Plan: This outlines the schedule for paying back any borrowed funds.
  • Sales Forecast: This predicts future sales volume, often broken down by product or service.
  • Gross Margin Analysis: This looks at the difference between revenue and cost of goods sold.

Types of Financial Projection and Forecasting Templates

There are many types of financial projection and forecasting templates: basic templates for small businesses; detailed ones for big companies; special ones for startup businesses; and others. There are also sales forecasts, cash-flow estimates, and profit and loss projections. 


In addition, financial projection and forecasting templates include long-term planning templates, break-even analyses, budget forecasts, and templates made for specific industries such as retail or manufacturing. 


Each template serves different financial planning needs. Determine which one best suits your requirements based on the scale of your business, the complexity of its financial structure, and the specific department that you want to analyze.


Here's a list of the top types of financial projection and forecasting templates:
 

  • Basic Financial Projection Template: Ideal for small businesses or startups, this template provides a straightforward approach to forecasting revenue, expenses, and cash flow.
  • Detailed Financial Projection Template: Best for larger businesses or those with complex financial structures, this template offers in-depth projections, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash-flow statements.
  • Startup Financial Projection Template: Tailored for startups, this template focuses on funding requirements and early-stage revenue forecasts, both crucial for attracting investors and planning initial operations. 
  • Sales Forecasting Template: Used by sales and marketing teams to predict future sales, this template helps you set targets and plan marketing strategies. 
  • Cash-Flow Forecast Template: Essential for financial managers who need to monitor the liquidity of the business, this template projects cash inflows and outflows over a period. 
  • Profit and Loss Forecast Template (P&L): Useful for business owners and financial officers who need to anticipate profit margins, this template enables you to forecast revenues and expenses.  
  • Three-Year / Five-Year Financial Projection Template: Suitable for long-term business planning, these templates provide a broader view of your company’s financial future, improving your development strategy and investor presentations. 
  • Break-Even Analysis Template: Used by business strategists and financial analysts, this template helps you determine when your business will become profitable. 
  • Budget Forecasting Template: Designed for budget managers, this template uses historical financial data to help you plan your future spending. 
  • Sector-Specific Financial Projection Template: Designed for specific industries (such as retail or manufacturing), these templates take into account industry-specific factors and benchmarks.

Related Financial Templates

Check out this list of free financial templates related to financial projections and forecasting. You'll find templates for budgeting, tracking profits and losses, planning your finances, and more. These tools help keep your company’s money matters organized and clear.

Free Project Budget Templates

Simple Budget Plan Template

Use one of these project budget templates to maintain control over project finances, ensuring costs stay aligned with the allocated budget and improving overall financial management.

Free Monthly Budget Templates

Use one of these monthly budget templates to effectively track and manage your business’s income and expenses, helping you plan financially and save money.

Free Expense Report Templates

Simple Expense Report Template

Use one of these expense report templates to systematically track and document all business-related expenditures, ensuring accurate reimbursement and efficient financial record-keeping.

Free Balance Sheet Templates

Basic Balance Sheet Template

Use one of these balance sheet templates to summarize your company's financial position at a given time.

Free Cash-Flow Forecast Templates

Cash Flow Forecast Template

Use one of these cash-flow forecast templates to predict future cash inflows and outflows, helping you manage liquidity and make informed financial decisions.

Free Cash-Flow Statement Templates

Use one of these cash-flow statement templates to track the movement of cash in and out of your business, so you can assess your company’s level of liquidity and financial stability.

Free Discounted Cash-Flow (DCF) Templates

Sample Discounted Cash Flow Template

Use one of these discounted cash-flow (DCF) templates to evaluate the profitability of investments or projects by calculating their present value based on future cash flows.

Free Financial Planning Templates

Business Budget Template

Use one of these financial planning templates to strategically organize and forecast future finances, helping you set realistic financial goals and ensure long-term business growth.

Free Profit and Loss (P&L) Templates

Printable Profit and Loss Statement Template

Use one of these profit and loss (P&L) templates to systematically track income and expenses, giving you a clear picture of your company's profitability over a specific period.

Free Billing and Invoice Templates

Commercial Invoice

Use one of these billing and invoice templates to streamline the invoicing process and ensure that you bill clients accurately and professionally for services or products.

Plan and Manage Your Company’s Financial Future with Financial Projection and Forecasting Templates from Smartsheet

Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today.

 

 

Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.

Try Smartsheet for Free Get a Free Smartsheet Demo