Checkbook register everywhere using Apple Numbers
For years, I tried different checkbook apps to keep track of my bank checking and saving accounts. I mainly just want to have a running list of deposits and debits so I know what my balances will be at any point. The apps I tried had Mac and iOS versions that work together so that I could look at the register from any device I was working on. However, these 3rd party apps always seemed to have syncing issues. The solution for me was to create my own checkbook spreadsheet in Apple Numbers.
As shown below, I set up the spreadsheet similar to what you might see in a checkbook register. I have my entries in reverse chronological order, with the newest entries on the top so they are always easy to see.
The Balance formula for each line is the sum of Deposits from that line down to the bottom minus the sum of the Debits from that line down to the bottom. The Cleared Balance cell on top takes into account if the entry has been checked off in the Cleared cell, such as if a check has not been processed by the bank yet. I created a separate Savings account tab with a similar layout.
As shown below, I set up the spreadsheet similar to what you might see in a checkbook register. I have my entries in reverse chronological order, with the newest entries on the top so they are always easy to see.
The Balance formula for each line is the sum of Deposits from that line down to the bottom minus the sum of the Debits from that line down to the bottom. The Cleared Balance cell on top takes into account if the entry has been checked off in the Cleared cell, such as if a check has not been processed by the bank yet. I created a separate Savings account tab with a similar layout.
Numbers Checkbook Spreadsheet on the iPhone
The benefits to using Numbers is that it is already available for free on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac and it has been more reliable syncing than anything I have used in the past. Another big plus is when you store Numbers documents in the default iCloud Drive Files location, you can use your spreadsheet on any computer through a browser on iCloud.com.
iCloud.com Numbers Spreadsheet
As with any file with important data, you should have more than one copy for backup.
I have created a Numbers template for download at the link below. The checkbook template has some basic entries as shown above to get you started. Add additional body lines for new entries by selecting a line number on the left and then adding a line above or below. The formulas should update accordingly.
I have created a Numbers template for download at the link below. The checkbook template has some basic entries as shown above to get you started. Add additional body lines for new entries by selecting a line number on the left and then adding a line above or below. The formulas should update accordingly.
| checkbook_template.nmbtemplate |
Similar to Dan Moren at SixColors.com providing his Freelance Accounting spreadsheet, my checkbook spreadsheet is free with no restrictions for use, but I would appreciate acknowledgement where you got it. Since it is for free, the checkbook spreadsheet comes with no warranty.
Tip: When the Cleared cell is selected, clicking the number "1" on the keyboard will check the box or "0" (zero) will uncheck it.
Tip: When the Cleared cell is selected, clicking the number "1" on the keyboard will check the box or "0" (zero) will uncheck it.
Numbers on the App Store
Numbers on the Mac App Store
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Added 2018-07-13 <> ID 18071301
Versions - iOS 11 - MacOS High Sierra
Added 2018-07-13 <> ID 18071301
Versions - iOS 11 - MacOS High Sierra
