Build a clean P&L for any period — list income and expenses, and net profit, loss, and margin calculate instantly. Print or save as PDF. Free and private.
The P&L answers the most basic business question — did this period make money? — but the detail is where the value is. Group expenses meaningfully (materials, vehicle, insurance, software, rent) rather than one "expenses" blob, because trends per category are what tell you where money leaks. Net margin (profit ÷ income, shown on the generated statement) is the number to track over time: a growing revenue with a shrinking margin means you're working more for less.
A P&L records profitability, not cash — invoiced income you haven't been paid for yet appears here but not in your bank account. That gap is why profitable businesses still run out of money; pair this statement with our Cash Flow Planner to see both pictures. For lodgment-ready figures, hand your P&L to an accountant — this builder is for management reporting, not formal financial statements.
What period should a P&L cover?
Whatever question you're answering: monthly for running the business, quarterly to match BAS, and the July–June financial year for tax. Consistency matters more than the choice — same periods compare cleanly.
Should I enter amounts with or without GST?
If you're GST-registered, use ex-GST amounts — the GST you collect isn't income (it's the ATO's money passing through), and the GST you pay isn't an expense if you claim it back. Non-registered businesses use full amounts.
What's a good net margin?
It varies wildly by industry — trades often run 15–30%, retail far less, consulting more. The more useful comparison is your own margin over time: falling margin with steady revenue means costs are creeping.
What's the difference between profit and cash flow?
Profit counts income when earned and expenses when incurred; cash flow counts money when it actually moves. An unpaid invoice is profit but not cash — which is why you can be profitable and still miss payroll.
Is my financial data uploaded anywhere?
No. The statement is built entirely in your browser — nothing is transmitted or stored. Save the PDF before you close the page.