Excel Template — Ham Radio Log Sheet

Product Review: Ham Radio Log Sheet Excel Template (.xlsx)

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

Review Title: Finally, a digital log that bridges the gap between paper and bloated software.

I’ve been a General class operator for about four years, and I’ve always struggled with finding a logging solution that isn’t overkill. I don’t always want to fire up N1MM or HRD for a quick POTA activation or a casual evening of FT8. I also hate wasting paper on printed PDF logs that get coffee stains on them. This Excel template is the perfect middle ground.

What’s Inside the Template? The download came as a clean .xlsx file (no macros, which is a huge security plus). It includes two sheets:

The Log Entry Sheet: Columns for Date (UTC), Time, Call, Freq (MHz), Band, Mode (SSB/CW/FT8), RST Sent, RST Recv, Name, QTH, Grid, and Notes.
The Stats Dashboard: A summary sheet that automatically calculates QSOs per band, QSOs per mode, and a running total for the month.

The Pros (Why you should buy/download this): ham radio log sheet excel template

Auto-Populating Fields: This is my favorite feature. The template automatically converts the MHz frequency to the correct band (e.g., type "14.250" and it fills "20m" for you). Similarly, it converts UTC time based on your computer’s clock. Huge time saver.
Conditional Formatting: Duplicate entries? The cell lights up red if you try to log the same call sign twice within the same hour. This has saved me from logging the same rag-chew twice.
ADIF Ready: The columns are standard ADIF (Amateur Data Interchange Format) names. You can literally copy-paste the data directly into LotW or eQSL without reformatting. No need for complex export scripts.
Lightweight: It opens instantly on my old laptop. No waiting for a SQL database to load.
Portable: I keep a copy on my Google Drive. I can update it from my phone using the Sheets app while operating portable from a summit.

The Cons (Room for improvement):

No Built-in Rig Control: Obviously, this is Excel, not logging software. You have to manually type the frequency and mode. If you’re used to CAT control, this will feel slow.
Macro Reliance (sometimes): Some cheaper templates use heavy VBA macros to work. This one didn't, but always check. Macros can break across Excel version updates.
Satellite Ops: If you work AMSAT, the default columns don't really support uplink/downlink separation well. You’ll have to tweak it.

Technical Compatibility: Works perfectly on Microsoft Excel 2016, 2019, 365, and Google Sheets (with 95% functionality—the band conversion formula needs a minor tweak, but instructions are provided). Does not work well in LibreOffice Calc (the date formatting breaks).

Verdict: If you are a casual operator, a portable enthusiast (POTA/SOTA), or a new Ham studying for your General, buy this template. It costs less than a cup of coffee. It keeps you organized without the complexity of professional logging software. It’s also fantastic for Field Day when you have multiple operators who need a shared, simple digital list.

Who should skip this? Contesters running 2000+ QSOs in a weekend need real contest software. Also, if you only operate digital modes (FT8/JS8), just let GridTracker handle your log. Product Review: Ham Radio Log Sheet Excel Template (

Final Note to the Designer: Please add a column for "MyRig" (e.g., IC-7300) and a dropdown for Propagation (F2, Aurora, etc.). That would make this a 5-star product for the serious DXer.

Would I recommend it? ✅ Yes. It’s a 4.5-star tool for the right job.

3. Automatic Award Tracking

With basic formulas, your Excel template can automatically count your unique DXCC entities, US states for WAS (Worked All States), or CQ zones. You don’t need complex macros—just a few COUNTIF and UNIQUE functions.

2. Use Dropdown Menus for "Mode"

Typing "SSB" fifty times leads to typos. Create a dropdown list to standardize data entry. The Log Entry Sheet: Columns for Date (UTC),

How to do it:
1. On a separate sheet (name it "Lists"), type your modes in a column (SSB, CW, FT8, AM, FM).
2. Highlight that list.
3. Go to your Log sheet, highlight the Mode column.
4. Go to Data > Data Validation.
5. Under "Allow," select List.
6. In "Source," click the button and select the list you created on the "Lists" sheet.

Count Total Countries (DXCC) Worked

If you have a column for "Country" (Column I):

=SUMPRODUCT(1/COUNTIF(I2:I100,I2:I100))

(Note: This counts unique values in the list. Adjust the range I2:I100 to match your log size).

4. Reddit’s /r/amateurradio Wiki

The ham radio subreddit has a user-submitted “Ultimate Log Sheet” that includes SOTA, POTA, and IOTA (Islands on the Air) columns. Search for “Reddit ham radio Excel log.”