How should you format your Financial Model?

At GRAY Financial Modelling, we follow a rigorous, industry‑aligned formatting standard to ensure every model we build is intuitive, transparent, and easy to navigate. Consistency isn’t just a preference — it’s a core part of best‑practice financial modelling, helping teams collaborate smoothly and enabling investors, executives, and stakeholders to understand your numbers at a glance.

To achieve this, we apply a universally recognised colour‑coding structure throughout all our models:

Inputs — Blue Font on Yellow Background

All user‑driven inputs are clearly distinguished using blue text on a yellow cell background.This allows anyone reviewing the model to instantly identify which cells can be edited and which assumptions are driving the calculations. The result is a cleaner, more robust workflow that reduces errors and improves usability.

Outputs — Black Font on White Background

Model outputs — the results of calculations and formulas — are presented in black text on a white background.This keeps the core financial outputs clean, neutral, and easy to interpret, ensuring decision‑makers can quickly focus on the results without visual distraction.

Actuals — Blue Font on White Background

Historical data and actuals are presented in blue text on a white background.This clearly separates real performance data from assumptions, making trends easier to spot and simplifying comparisons between actuals and forecasts.

Why This Matters

A well‑structured model isn’t just about aesthetics — it drives better decisions. Our standardised approach ensures:

• Clarity — anyone can understand the model without explanation

• Accuracy — inputs and formulas are easily distinguishable

• Speed — reviewers instantly know where to look

• Investor confidence — transparent structure builds trust

This formatting foundation is part of the discipline and quality our clients rely on when they partner with GRAY Financial Modelling.