If you need to create an invoice, there is an easy and free way to do it, by using Google Docs and Google Sheets.
Google Docs invoice template and Google Sheets spreadsheet included 👍.
When you combine both Google Docs with Google Sheets you get the power of a powerful document editor with the automatic and surprisingly smart calculations of a spreadsheet.
This way you do not need to compromise on your layout, design, and data. Google Docs allows you to layout the invoice exactly how you like and Google Sheets provides the data structure and automatic calculations.
Since these products work together, you can easily paste a Google Sheet into a Google Doc.
To get the best experience we recommend using a computer or laptop.
Now that you have your computer ready, let's get started.
Step 1: Go to Google Docs
Step 2: Select a blank document
Step 3: Create a three-column layout.
Click Insert > Table and choose a 3x1 layout.
To make the table look better, we are going to remove the borders.
Step 4: Add a logo in the left header. (optional)
Click Insert > Headers & footers > Header
While adding a logo is not a required step, it does make your invoice stand out and look more professional.
Step 5: Add your company or business information in the right column.
Enter the heading From: and then, on the line below it, enter your business name, address, and phone number.
Step 6: Add your client's information in the left column.
Enter the heading Billed to: and then, on the line below it, enter the client's name, address, and phone number.
Step 7: Add the issued and due dates.
In the middle column, add the issued date. Below it, add the due date.
Step 8: Add an invoice number.
Invoice numbers should be unique and make it easy to refer to the invoice.
Now you have you and your client's contact information, dates, and the invoice number. Your invoice is looking good!
Step 9: Add a divider.
Now it is time to add a dividing line to break up the content. This line separates the information you just entered with the line items that we will create next in Google Sheets.
With the cursor underneath your 3x1 table, click Insert > Horizontal line. A horizontal line is created.
Step 10: Open Google Sheets.
In the following steps, we will create the line items using Google Sheets.
Step 11: Create a blank spreadsheet.
Click the + to create a blank spreadsheet.
Step 12: Enter your column headers.
Enter the following column headers in row 1
Step 13: Create your calculations.
Click the Line total column cell (D2) and enter =, then click cell B2, type *, then click cell C3, and press enter or return. This creates the formula Rate x Quantity. Or B2*C2.
Step 14: Add your line items.
Now that you have your calculations ready it is time to add your line items.
Once you have all of your line tems created, it is time to add your subtotal, discount, and taxes.
Step 15: Adding the subtotal
Step 16: Add a discount.
If you need to add a discount, add it below your subtotal.
Step 17: Add a tax
Step 18: Add a total
Now you have all of your calculations and your Google Sheets line items are ready to be pasted back into your Google Docs invoice template.
Step 19: Paste the updated sheet back into Google Docs.
Step 20: Add a notes section (optional).
A notes section is good area to thank your customer for their business, add payment information, or anything else.
Step 21: Add a terms section.
A terms sections is where you put things like payment terms, late payment details, what is included in the invoice and what is not included. Everyone knows those clients who always ask for more once the job has been finalized. The terms section is a great place to describe what extra work costs so there are no surprises.
Step 22: Remove the table borders.
To make the Notes and Terms table look better, we are going to remove the borders.
Nice work!
Now you are done and can share your invoice with your client. You can share it directly from Google Docs with a private share link, you can download it and email it, or you can print it. The choice is yours.
To save you some work we are including both the Google Doc and Google Sheet we created so you can make a copy for yourself.
Download the files below:
To make edits to the files you will need to make a copy by going to File > Make a copy.
Looking for a certain style or design? Check out our free Google Docs invoice templates. You can use any of these and follow the steps above to insert a Google Sheet into them.
Alternatively, have a look at Invoicer.ai's library of pre-made Google Sheets invoice templates to see what will work for you and your business.
Creating an invoice using Google Docs and Google Sheets is a superior method to creating an invoice compared to using only Google Docs or using only Google Sheets.
With this method, you get the best of both worlds: a fantastic document editor so you can layout your invoice however you like, and the automatic calculations of a spreadsheet. Truly, a work of wonder.
If you want to step up your invoicing game, save time, track when invoices are opened, get paid faster, and more, check out another work of wonder, Invoicer.ai.
