Try the worksheet
Replace the illustrative values. Entries stay in this browser session only. On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view all columns.
| Description | Estimate (LKR) | Actual (LKR) | Actual − estimate (LKR) | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LKR 15,000.00 | ||||
| LKR -5,000.00 | ||||
| LKR 0.00 | ||||
| LKR 10,000.00 | ||||
| LKR -5,000.00 | ||||
| LKR -15,000.00 |
Estimate from evidence
Use supplier quotations or your own dated assumptions for equipment, opening stock, deposits and setup work. The example categories are editable; their sample amounts are fictional and are not current Sri Lankan registration fees or supplier prices.
A budget line is a planning category, not a tax deduction or ledger classification. A deposit may be recoverable and equipment may need an asset register. Keep the invoice and discuss accounting treatment separately.
- Rename rows to fit your actual setup plan.
- Enter non-negative estimated and actual amounts for each row.
- Review actual minus estimate: a positive variance means overspending.
- Export the current comparison and retain the underlying quotes.
Keep operating cash separate
This worksheet covers setup spending. Rent, payroll and other costs after opening belong in a recurring cash forecast. Avoid calling the money left after setup your profit or assuming it will cover every future month.
If the business is already trading, record actual payments by date elsewhere and use this summary to compare against the approved setup budget. The summary does not replace payment evidence.
Make a decision from the variance
Investigate material overruns by category: higher quantity, changed specification, extra delivery cost or an omitted item. Record the explanation instead of changing the estimate to erase the difference.
A lower actual total may reflect an unpaid commitment. Check outstanding orders before deciding that unused cash is free to spend. The model cannot identify commitments you have not entered.
Worked example
Equipment exceeds the initial estimate
Illustrative equipment estimate LKR 180,000 and actual payment LKR 195,000. No tax, financing or market-price claim.
- Equipment budget overrunActual cost less estimate.
- LKR 15,000.00
- Overrun against estimate15,000 ÷ 180,000 × 100.
- 8.33%
An LKR 15,000 overrun should trigger an explanation and a revised remaining-cash plan, not a retrospective deletion of the original estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include current business registration fees?
No. All values are user-entered planning inputs. Obtain and date applicable fees separately from the relevant authority.
Is the total my startup's accounting expense?
No. Cash outlays can include assets, deposits and stock as well as expenses. Accounting classification needs separate review.
Sources and limits
Budget categories and sample costs are illustrative. The worksheet does not prescribe fees, tax deductions, funding or legal setup requirements.
- Finance Desk LK — current service scope
Current service boundaries. Confirm the work, exclusions and quotation in writing before an engagement begins.
Accessed: 2026-10-08