If you are asking how to know my networth, the quickest answer is to build a small spreadsheet. It takes about ten minutes to set up and it will save you from re-doing the work every time you want an update.
Set up three tabs
Create a sheet with three tabs: Assets, Debts and History. On the Assets tab, use columns for the name, type, value and the date you checked it. On the Debts tab, use the name, lender, balance and interest rate. The History tab stores your total on each date.
The formulas you actually need
You only need SUM and subtraction. In the Assets tab, add a total at the bottom using SUM. Do the same on the Debts tab. In the History tab, put today’s date in one column and the formula that subtracts the debt total from the asset total in the next. Each quarter, copy the formula to a new row and paste the values, so old rows do not change when you update balances.
Layout example
| Tab | Columns |
|---|---|
| Assets | Name, type, value, date checked, notes |
| Debts | Name, lender, balance, rate, notes |
| History | Date, total assets, total debts, networth |
Add one chart
A simple line chart of networth over time is motivating. Even if progress looks slow in the first quarter, a year of data makes the direction clear. If the line dips because of a market drop, you will see it as a temporary move rather than a failure.
Add a notes column
Write down how you arrived at each estimate. “Car: matched listings for same year and mileage” is enough. In six months you will not remember where the number came from, and notes help you stay consistent.
Keep it private and backed up
Do not store passwords or full account numbers in the sheet. Back the file up, and if it lives in the cloud, protect the account with two-step verification. If you prefer paper, a bound notebook works just as well.
When a spreadsheet is not enough
If you have many accounts and want automatic updates, a budgeting app may be more convenient. The trade-off is privacy, since you need to link accounts. For most beginners, the manual approach is enough, and the act of typing in each balance builds awareness of where your money is.
Reading the result
After you fill in the sheet, you will have a number. Think of it as a starting point. To see how it compares with typical figures, read our guide on what counts as a good net worth, then follow the steps in how to calculate your net worth to refine each item. Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel both work well, and free templates are widely available.
A word on goals
Once the spreadsheet is running, add a small cell showing your target for the year-end, for example an extra five percent of your current figure. Seeing the gap between today and the goal turns the sheet into a tool for decisions rather than a record of the past. Adjust the target if circumstances change, and celebrate when you hit it.
FAQ: how to know my networth
Which program should I use?
Any spreadsheet tool works. Google Sheets is free and syncs across devices.
Can I use a template?
Yes, but check that it separates assets, debts and dates.
How long does the first setup take?
Roughly thirty to sixty minutes, mostly collecting balances.
Is my data safe in a spreadsheet?
It is as safe as the account that holds it, so use strong passwords and two-step verification.
General information only; not financial advice. For free guides see the CFPB website.
Related reading: High Net Worth Interest Rates · How Do I Calculate My Net Worth?
Figures are reported estimates as of 2026 and change often. This article is for general information and is not financial advice.
