This guide explains how to manage your business inventory using an Excel spreadsheet on a Windows or Mac computer. You can use a predefined template or create your own manually.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a Template
Step 1. Launch Microsoft Excel
The app icon is dark green and has a white "X" inside.
Step 2. Click on the search bar
You will see it at the top of the program window.
On Mac, you must first click on File in the upper left corner, then click on New from model … in the menu that appears.
Step 3. Search for inventory templates
Type inventory in the search bar at the top, then press Enter. The list of inventory management templates will open.
Step 4. Select a template
Click on the inventory model that best suits your needs. The preview page will open.
Each model offers different features. If you don't like what you have selected, press Esc to return to the templates page
Step 5. Click Create
You will see this button to the right of the preview window.
Step 6. Wait for the template to load
This can take a few seconds. Once the model is open, you can continue.
Step 7. Enter your inventory information
To change a pre-filled cell, double-click on it, delete the word or number it contains, then enter the product information. Your chosen model may have slightly different options, but almost all of them will include the following items:
- Product number is the inventory code (SKU) of the product;
- Product name is the descriptive name of the product;
- Unit cost is the cost of a single product;
- Quantity in stockis the quantity of products in stock;
- Net value is the total stock value of a product type.
Step 8. Save your work
To do it:
- On Windows click on File, then on Save with name, click twice on This PC, click on a save path in the left part of the window, type the name of the document (for example "Inventory list") in the text field "File name", then click on Save.
- On Mac click on File, then on Save with name, enter the name of the document (eg: "Inventory list) in the" Save as "field, select a saving path by clicking on the" Where "box before choosing a folder, then click on Save.
Method 2 of 2: Create an Inventory from Scratch
Step 1. Open Microsoft Excel
The program icon is a green square with a white "X".
Step 2. Click on New Workbook
You will see this box in the upper left part of the window.
Skip this step on Mac
Step 3. Create inventory column titles
Type the following entries in the indicated cells:
- A1 - Product code
- B1 - Product name
- C1 - Unit cost
- D1 - Quantity produced
- E1 - Net value
Step 4. Adjust the column width
Click on the space between two letters of the columns (for example, TO And B.) at the top of the sheet, then drag the mouse to the right to enlarge the column.
Step 5. Enter the inventory code of the first product
Click on the cell A2, then type the inventory code for that product (for example, 123456) and press Enter.
Step 6. Add the product name
Click on the cell B2, then enter the official name (for example Steel cables.
Step 7. Determine the unit cost of the product
Click on the cell C2, then enter the unit cost (for example 4.99).
Step 8. Calculate the total number of that type of products available in stock
Click on the cell D2, then enter the quantity of units in stock (for example, if you have 80 steel cables ready for sale, enter 80).
Step 9. Enter the formula for the net value
Click on the cell E2, then type
= C2 * D2
inside it and press Enter. You should immediately see the net value appear in the cell.
You can repeat this general formula for all cells in the "Net Value" column. Just make sure you replace C2 And D2 with the correct cells (for example, if you want to multiply cell values C10 And D10, enter those values instead of C2 And D2).
Step 10. Add the rest of the products to inventory
Repeat the process described above for each item in stock. Assign each product to a new row until inventory is complete.
Step 11. Save your work
To do it:
- On Windows click on File, then on Save with name, click twice on This PC, click on a save path in the left part of the window, type the name of the document (for example "Inventory list") in the text field "File name", then click on Save.
- On Mac click on File, then on Save with name, enter the name of the document (eg: "Inventory list) in the" Save as "field, select a saving path by clicking on the" Where "box before choosing a folder, then click on Save.
