Winbda Excel Model Builder
Overview
Creates structured spreadsheets and financial models with formulas, formatting, and clear documentation. Outputs ready-to-use Excel files or Google Sheets templates.
Workflow
Step 1: Define the Model
Ask the user:
- Purpose: What decisions will this model inform?
- Type: Financial projection, budget, tracker, calculator, or dashboard?
- Inputs: What data will be entered?
- Outputs: What numbers/insights do you need?
- Time horizon: Monthly, quarterly, annual?
- Format: Excel (.xlsx) or Google Sheets formula format?
Step 2: Design the Structure
Standard model layout:
| Tab | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Dashboard | Summary view with key metrics |
| Assumptions | All inputs in one place (change here, model updates) |
| Revenue | Revenue projections and breakdowns |
| Costs | Cost structure and projections |
| P&L | Profit & Loss statement |
| Cash Flow | Cash flow projections (if needed) |
Step 3: Build with Formulas
Rules for good models:
- Inputs highlighted (yellow cells = editable)
- No hardcoded numbers in formulas — reference the Assumptions tab
- Clear labels for every row and column
- Consistent formatting (currency, percentages, dates)
- Error handling with IFERROR()
- Named ranges for key assumptions
Step 4: Create the Spreadsheet
Use openpyxl (Python) to generate .xlsx files with:
- Multiple tabs
- Formulas (not just values)
- Conditional formatting
- Number formatting
- Headers and borders
- Print-ready layout
Output
Generate actual .xlsx file with:
- All formulas intact
- Formatting applied
- Sample data that can be replaced
- Instructions tab explaining how to use it
Quality Checklist
- All inputs on one tab (Assumptions)
- No hardcoded numbers in formulas
- Yellow highlighting on editable cells
- Dashboard shows key metrics at a glance
- Formulas use cell references (not typed values)
- Error handling on division formulas
- Instructions included