A log of what you worked on
A task log answers simple questions that are surprisingly hard to answer from memory: what did I do this week, and how long did it take? Freelancers use it to bill accurately, employees to fill in timesheets, and anyone to spot where their time actually goes.
Columns
Date, Task, Category, Hours and Status. Forty-three rows are ready, three with examples, and Total hours is calculated at the bottom.
Getting the most from it
- Log as you go — once at the end of each task, or once at lunch and once at the end of the day. Reconstructing a week on Friday is where accuracy is lost.
- Keep categories few and consistent (Meetings, Writing, Development, Admin), so you can filter and see where time goes.
- Use Status for work that spans days: "In progress" until it's "Done".
From log to invoice or timesheet
At the end of a period, filter by client or category and copy the totals into your invoice, or into the weekly timesheet if your hours need approval.
FAQ
How do I see hours per category?
Use your spreadsheet's filter on the Category column; the status bar shows the sum of the selected Hours cells. For a permanent table, add a SUMIF per category, as the expense tracker does.
Can I log minutes instead of hours?
Enter decimal hours: 15 minutes is 0.25, 30 minutes 0.5, 45 minutes 0.75.
Will the total include rows I add?
Yes, if you insert rows inside the existing range, above the last ready row.