50+ Sample Tracking Sheet Templates

What Is a Tracking Sheet?

A tracking sheet’s function is clear—for tracking purposes. You should also know that tracking sheets are detailed documents that outline what subjects must be tracked, what each of their progress is, and what can be done for the tailing process. And even if people have different reasons for using tracking sheets, a common denominator is that they are all written for documentation. An example is a package tracking sheet. You would need a document that records where the package has been shipped until it gets delivered to a customer. Thus, the package’s whereabouts can be easily traced.

The parcel shipping industry recorded in 2018 that around 87 billion parcels were shipped globally.

Meanwhile, The Pew Research Center stated that 60% of American adults track their weight loss, exercise routine, or diet.

On another note, USA Today reported that every household’s average expense takes 90% of their income.

Why Are Tracking Sheets Important?

A tracking sheet is essential to accommodate us with our busy lives. You might have tons of expenses and tasks to manage at some point. And it gets difficult to focus on each subject. Thankfully, tracking anything becomes easier with tracking sheets in hand. So whether you need to know your progress on a gym workout, count how many groceries to shop, calculate your school grades, or update any work in progress simultaneously, tracking sheets give you a hassle-free experience. What is even better? You can make the document very detailed, and it may apply for different reasons. The format and content are up to you, making it convenient on your part.

Examples of Tracking Sheets

Indeed, tracking sheets apply to different examples. But what exactly are these examples? It is essential to know where you can use such sheets until you discover just how multipurpose it is. So without further ado, here are some examples of tracking sheets:

Expense Tracking: A common use of tracking sheets is to trace expenses. People generally have daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly expenses. And according to a report, every household’s average expense usually takes 90% of their income. It is significant for people to keep track of their expenses. Otherwise, they might not have enough money left to buy or pay for some of their needs. Expect an expense tracking sheet to detail the amount of cash and divide them into specific categories.Shopping List Tracking: When you need a detailed shopping or grocery list, you can benefit from shopping list tracking sheets. Nobody needs to head on to shops and decide what to buy there when you can prepare a list ahead. Listing ahead will save you some time in shopping anyway because you already know what to purchase. You can use the sheet like a checklist to place checkmarks to items you already bought and search for the ones you still need to buy. Ensure that all things to buy will be completed.Grade or Score Tracking: Another function of a tracking sheet is to record every school grade or score for any test or program. Maybe a student needs to document which subjects he or she is excelling at and struggling with. For example, your child might be good at math but poor in reading. Hence, you can focus on tutoring your kid about reading since the tracking sheet tells you where the child needs to improve.Parcel Tracking: According to Statista, 87 billion parcels were shipped worldwide in 2018 alone. And you can imagine how parcel shipping is one of the most booming businesses out there. With billions of parcels to process, expect tracking sheets to play a great role there for sure. A parcel tracking sheet informs both sellers and buyers regarding where parcels are located. For example, a customer might complain about a delay in his or her package delivery. Thus, sellers can trace the parcel based on its latest update from the sheet.Gym Tracking: Gym tracking sheets are relevant when you need to follow up on your performance in weight loss, diet, or exercise routine. In fact, The Pew Research Center’s research survey confirmed that over 60% of American adults keep track of their weight, exercise, or diet. Without tracking, you might realize your body is not changing as to how you expected it to be. And the sheet may prove that you need to do more on what to eat and exercise to enhance your physique.Career Growth Tracking: Have you ever thought about your career goals? Insert every career-related goal into a tracking sheet too. You can note in the sheet if you have plans to move to another job and other ways to polish your career further. A tip is to dig deep and conduct an assessment to plot your career growth plans, whether related to changing your working behavior, participating in job seminars, or opening a business.History Tracking: Tracking is also associated with looking back on your history, whether that refers to your employment history, medical history, salary history, and more. For example, in medical history, you can list what diseases or conditions your families over different generations have. And it helps you predict what possible conditions you might get that are hereditary-related. Be sure to note your history in different contexts, as you might need to trace back someday.Contact Log Tracking: Tracking sheets are quite popular in terms of contact logs. Maybe you have a contact list of everyone from work, the family, or your friends. And you can check back from your list the important contact numbers of each person. Thus, you can search for whoever you need to call or text easily and at any time. On the other hand, others use contact logs to note who the business clients are or even who were positive with COVID-19. Its function is up to you.

How to Create a Tracking Sheet

Have you checked our sample tracking sheet templates above? If not yet, then take the time to check them out and select the best template of your choice. And since you already know about a tracking sheet’s meaning, significance, and examples, you can begin making your tracking sheet with your chosen template. Please follow these four easy steps to make an excellent tracking sheet:

Step 1: Clarify Your Tracking Sheet’s Function

Why do you need a tracking sheet in the first place? That is the first question you must answer. The reason you should know your tracking document’s purpose is to ensure your sheet’s content will be related to the planned function. Therefore, expect to tailor your sheet’s content according to your purpose. For example, you might need a tracking sheet to monitor your weight. With that said, you should layout the document that is fit for weight monitoring and not other documents like parcel tracking or grade tracking sheets.

Step 2: Figure Out the Needed Categories

To begin tailoring the sheet to your desired function, identify the relevant and crucial categories needed there. Take expense report tracking, for example. You are expected to divide your sheet into columns where one column marks the budget, another for the percentage spent, date of payment, type of transaction, etc. Hence, you should figure out the necessary categories that will slowly organize the sheet’s details. And if you miss some crucial categories, your sheet’s effectiveness may lessen.

Step 3: Implement an Easy-to-Follow Format

How organized is your sheet? Be sure to observe an easy-to-follow format so you won’t have a hard time keeping up with your tracking documents. An example is not to write everything in full sentences because you can use organizers like charts, tables, checkboxes, and the like. If other people are expected to use the sheets, then indicate instructions so they will be guided easily. Bear in mind that tracking doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. And how user-friendly it is will depend on how you formatted it.

Step 4: Update the Sheet Regularly

Polish the whole thing in the end. Once you are confident with your tracking sheet’s output, produce it. But the job isn’t done yet. It would help if you continuously tracked until you fulfill your goals. Part of the process in using tracking sheets is to update it regularly anyway. That means you write possible changes or note down the progress of anything you are tracking. Thus, the sheet’s information will be reliable. The problem with not updating the tracking sheet is you won’t be able to keep up with your tracking subject’s current situation or progress.

FAQs

What is action tracking?

Action tracking refers to a cookie-based procedure that tracks specific actions or page visits done by recipients. That is if such recipients read an email or any link on a particular website. And the standard is that action tags are incorporated into the website’s HTML code.

What is a tracking number?

Tracking numbers usually consist of numbers and letters around eight to 40 characters long. Some numbers include hyphens and spaces, while there are those written in one word. Most parcels and items to track have tracking numbers to make sure you will be updated where items are. And generally, a tracking number is found near the barcode.

How do I track student performance?

There are tons of ways to track student performance or progress. And some helpful examples include the following:

  • Homework
  • Quiz or test scores
  • Behavior
  • Proficiency levels
  • Objective mastery percentages
  • Reading sessions

When life gives you lemons of tracking needs, don’t back down. Who knows? One day you will be busy tracking an issue. Next, you might need to update a production schedule. Or perhaps, you need to keep up with your project’s progress. Don’t be overwhelmed. You can utilize time wisely and stay productive by using printable and customizable sample tracking sheet templates that match your personal or professional needs. Download now!