How to scan receipts into Google Sheets.

1. Use Google Drive and Docs for an occasional receipt.

If you only have a few receipts, you can extract the text and arrange the details yourself.

1. Photograph the receipt clearly, with the whole receipt visible.
2. Upload the image to Google Drive on your computer.
3. Right-click it, then choose Open with → Google Docs.
4. Check the extracted text and enter the vendor, date, amount, currency and any recorded tax in your sheet.
5. Add a link to the original image so you can find the evidence later.

Google’s text conversion may lose columns and tables, so expect to check the layout. See Google’s image-to-text instructions.

Best when: you have a small number of receipts and do not mind arranging each row.

2. Import a CSV from a receipt tool.

If you already use a tool that exports receipt data, a CSV can bring those records into Google Sheets. Check its export options first.

In Sheets, use File → Import and select the CSV. Import into a separate tab first, then check the column order, dates, decimal separators and currencies before combining it with existing records.

A CSV contains values, so check separately whether your tool provides working links to receipt images. Keep track of which files you have imported to avoid duplicate rows.

Best when: you are moving an existing batch of extracted receipts into a spreadsheet.

3. Scan, check and send with Sheetify.

Sheetify is an iPhone and Android app that reads receipt details and sends them to Google Sheets, with the receipt image saved in Google Drive.

1. Connect Google. Set up the destination folder and spreadsheet through Sheetify.
2. Choose your spreadsheet. Confirm the active destination before sending your next receipts.
3. Capture a receipt. Take a clear photo or select an image in the app.
4. Review the result. Check the vendor, date, price, currency and tax amount. Extraction can make mistakes.
5. Send to Google Sheets. Open the destination sheet to check the row and its image link.

The standard receipt row includes a receipt ID, vendor, price, currency, date, image URL, category and tax amount. Category export requires premium access. If you use customised columns, check their mapping before combining the data with another template.

Free to start. Paid features and current plans are shown in the app.

Which route fits your routine?

Make the sheet useful at month end.

• Use consistent categories. A short, repeatable list is easier to summarise.
• Keep currencies separate. USD 20 and GBP 20 are different amounts. Recording a currency does not convert it.
• Keep the image link. A row is easier to check when you can open the original receipt.
• Check dates and totals before sending. Clear photos help, but a quick review still matters.

The free receipt tracker gives you a simple place to start with monthly and category summaries.

Three checks before a row goes into your sheet.

See worked examples of final totals, mixed currencies and possible duplicates in our receipt data checklist.