How to Build a Startup Cap Table in Google Sheets (Free Template)

As a startup founder, your cap table is your ownership map. But most founders start with messy Excel files that break during fundraising.

Here's how to build a clean, formula-driven cap table in Google Sheets:

Why Google Sheets?

• Real-time collaboration with co-founders and investors
• Version history to track changes
• No expensive software needed early stage

What You Need

1. Investor Table: Track rounds, shares, prices, ownership %
2. Option Pool: Manage employee equity grants, vesting schedules
3. Ownership Summary: Auto-calculated breakdown by category
4. Dilution Simulator: Test new rounds before fundraising

Key Formulas

=SUM(Shares) — Total shares outstanding
=Shares/Total_Shares*100 — Ownership percentage
=IF(DATEDIF(Grant_Date,TODAY(),"M")>=12, MIN(Options*25%, Options*(DATEDIF(Grant_Date,TODAY(),"M")/48)),0) — Vested options

Pro Tips

• Always model dilution before raising
• Keep a separate row for unissued shares
• Update after every financing event

For a complete, pre-built template with all formulas, sample data, and a dilution simulator, check out the Startup Cap Table Builder. It's a ready-to-Google Sheets template that handles rounds, pools, and scenarios automatically.