DIY materials budget template: estimated versus actual costs

Start with this materials budget ​

Use one row for each material or purchase. Enter a quantity for reference, an estimated cost for the whole row, and the actual cost when you buy it. You’ll be able to see what you expected to spend alongside what you paid.

Download the editable DIY materials budget template (XLSX). The workbook includes a "Your budget" sheet with 30 input rows and a completed "Worked example" sheet. You can also copy the blank table below into your own notes.

Difference = actual cost minus estimated cost. A positive difference means the purchase cost more than planned; a negative difference means it cost less. Leave actual cost empty until you know it. Zero is a valid cost for a purchase that costs you nothing.

A worked example: bedside table upcycling ​

This example covers materials for a small wooden bedside table. The inspection and chosen finish determine the shopping list. These rows show how to record the costs. The GBP amounts are examples, so check current supplier prices for your own project.

The two handles cost £10 together in the estimate, then £9 together when bought. Do not multiply those row costs by the quantity again. Once all seven purchases are complete, the total is £2 under the estimate. The higher paint cost is offset by lower costs elsewhere.

Fill in your own budget ​

1. List the purchases. Start from your project plan and check what you already own. Include the materials, consumables and other purchase costs you intend to track.
2. Record quantities and units. Write “2 handles” or “1 tin” to show what the estimated price covers. Check dimensions, pack sizes and product coverage before choosing quantities.
3. Enter estimated row costs. Use the full amount you expect to pay for each row. Include applicable delivery in a separate row or allocate it consistently.
4. Enter actual costs after purchasing. Use the amount paid for that row. Keep unpurchased actual costs blank and record a genuine zero as 0.
5. Review differences. Investigate higher costs while you can still change the remaining purchases. Update quantities or planned products when the job changes.

Use one currency consistently. The workbook displays GBP; if you adapt it to another currency, update the formatting and enter amounts in that currency throughout.

The workbook totals entered amounts and calculates a row's difference only when both costs are entered. Its actual total is spending recorded so far. The final budget difference stays blank until every named material has both prices. While shopping is unfinished, you still need to allow for the purchases you haven’t made.

If you’ve bought only cleaner and abrasives, you’ve spent £12. Their combined estimate was £14, so those purchases are £2 below their estimate. You still expect to spend £57 on the other five materials. Combining £12 spent with £57 remaining gives a £69 current projection, assuming the remaining purchases match their estimates. That projection can change with later purchases.

Organise the budget in Handicraft ​

Create your project, then add each purchase to its Shopping list. Record quantity, estimated row cost and a supplier link. Mark the material Bought and add the actual row cost when purchased.

Handicraft's Estimated total adds the estimates. Actual total includes Bought materials only. Remaining estimated cost shows the estimates for items still Needed. Check all three figures while you still have purchases to make. Use the workbook or the calculation above to compare estimated and actual costs.

The download is a standalone workbook: enter its rows into Handicraft manually. It does not import or synchronise automatically. You can work out your budget in the workbook, then keep the project steps, purchases and progress photos in Handicraft.

To turn the example into a work plan, use the furniture upcycling planner. For a garden project, the raised planter checklist helps you decide dimensions and material quantities before budgeting.

Plan your own project free.