Reading Log in Excel: Pages per Day, % Done and Expected Book Finish Date

By Ravindra Bagale · Last updated: 17 October 2026

Download the template: reading-log-tracker-template.xlsx: example data with real formulas. Yellow cells are inputs you can type over; green cells hold formulas; blue rows are headers and totals. Replace the example data with your own and everything recalculates.

Made-up data: every name, amount, shop and date on this page is made up for practice. Cities are used only to make the examples feel real.

1. The example

Shraddha's log from 1 to 16 October 2026 (made-up values, 420 pages, goal 31-10-2026):

She skipped 2 days and her best day was 10 October (35 pages). At her usual pace she finishes a week before the goal.

2. Build it step by step

Step 1. Book and goal

1. In B3 type the as-of date (=TODAY() in your copy), in B4 the pages in the book (420) and in B5 your goal date.

Step 2. Daily log

1. In A7:E7 type Date, Pages read, Total read, % done, Pages left. Type 0 on days you do not read.
2. Select B8:B200 > Data > Data Validation > Whole number between 0 and 500 (data validation).

Step 3. Running total

1. In C8 type =SUM($B$8:B8): the range grows as you copy down (mixed references).
2. In D8 type =C8/$B$4 as % and in E8 =$B$4-C8. Copy down.

Step 4. Average and days needed

1. In H8 type =SUM(B8:B23) and in H9 =B4-H8: 115 pages left.
2. In H10 type =AVERAGE(B8:B23): 19.1 pages a day (the 0 days count, which is honest).
3. In H11 type =ROUNDUP(H9/H10,0): 115 ÷ 19.06 = 6.03, rounded up to 7 days (ROUND family).

Step 5. Finish date and goal

1. In H12 type =B3+H11: 24-10-2026.
2. In H13 type =H9/(B5-B3): 8.2 pages a day are enough for 31 October.
3. In H14 type =IF(H12<=B5,"On track","Behind").

Step 6. Progress and colours

1. In H17 type =REPT("■",INT(H8/B4*10))&REPT("□",10-INT(H8/B4*10)) for a 10-block bar (REPT and joining text).
2. Add a data bar on D8:D23 with maximum 1, a grey rule for 0 in column B, and green/red for H14 (data bars).

3. Formulas used

Every formula above is written in the template, so you can click a cell and see it in the formula bar. All values on this page were recalculated in the file.

4. Common mistakes

1. Leaving skipped days blank. AVERAGE ignores blanks, so the pace looks better than it is. Type 0 for honest numbers.
2. Using ROUND instead of ROUNDUP. 6.03 days rounds to 6, but you need part of a 7th day. ROUNDUP gives 7.
3. Fixing both ends of the running range. $B$8:$B$8 would not grow. Only the start is fixed.
4. Typing the total pages each day. Type the pages read that day; column C adds them up.
5. Goal date before the as-of date. H13 would divide by a negative number. Set a goal date in the future.

5. More real examples

Example 1: Ruhi's school reading. One sheet per book; a summary sheet lists each book with its finish date.

Example 2: Revision for an exam. Use chapters or practice questions instead of pages; the same formulas give a finish date.

Example 3: Listening instead of reading. Use minutes listened instead of pages and the book's total minutes in B4.

Quick revision cards

Englishमराठीहिंदी

Quick revision

Each card shows formulas from this page, each with an example and its answer from the template. Scan the QR code on a card to open this lesson. All names and numbers are made up for practice.

More cards: Ravi Sir's Cards.

6. Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate when I will finish a book in Excel?

Days needed = ROUNDUP(pages left ÷ average pages per day, 0). Finish date = today + days needed.

How do I show a running total?

Use =SUM($B$8:B8) and copy down; the end of the range moves with each row.

How many pages a day do I need for my goal?

Pages left ÷ days until the goal: =H9/(B5-B3).

Why ROUNDUP and not ROUND?

A part day is still a day of reading. ROUNDUP always rounds up to the next whole number.

How do I make a progress bar without a chart?

Use REPT to repeat a block symbol: =REPT("■",INT(done*10))&REPT("□",10-INT(done*10)).

7. Quick quiz

Ten questions on this page. Sign in to save your score.