How to Balance a Checkbook With Excel 2003

Manual Method
1. Open a blank Excel 2003 spreadsheet.
2. Type the following headings in the first row: 'Check #,' 'Date,' 'Description,' 'Debit,' 'Credit' and 'Balance.' These mimic your checkbook register. Format the headings however you like. Recommended formatting is to bold, center and underline headings.
3. Type 'Initial Balance' or 'Initial Deposit' in the first empty cell under 'Description.' Type your current or starting balance in the first empty cell under 'Balance.'
4. Type the following formula in the next empty cell under 'Balance': '=F2-D3 E3. This assumes Debit is in column D, Credit is in column E and Balance is in column F. If the column letters differ, adjust the formula accordingly.
5. Enter data into each row of the checkbook spreadsheet.
6. Find the current balance after each entry by clicking the balance cell above your entry. This will not apply to your first entry. Drag the cell, or copy and paste the cell, to the cell directly below it. For instance, if your previous balance is in cell F3, highlight F3 and copy the formula into F4.
Template Method
7. Open a blank Excel 2003 spreadsheet.
8. Go to 'Help' and select 'Microsoft Excel Help.'
9. Type 'check register' in the search box and press 'Search.'
10. Click 'Check Register.' This will be your first result. Press 'Download' to download and use the template.
11. Follow the instructions in the box that appears to begin using the template.