It’s that time of year again! I’m excited to share my free reading tracker spreadsheets with you. Each year, I refine these tools to help book lovers organize and celebrate their reading habits. Whether you prefer something simple and straightforward or a feature-rich tracker, I’ve got you covered.
The Origin of My Reading Tracker
Back in 2020, I discovered a basic reading tracker on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books—a fantastic website and podcast for book lovers. It was perfect for my needs at the time: simple, efficient, and focused on the essentials. However, as I became more comfortable with spreadsheets, I started personalizing it. I added new features and improved the visual design, while keeping the core function intact: tracking your reading journey with style.
Today, I maintain two versions of my reading tracker to suit different needs. The basic version keeps things minimal, while the new and improved version offers enhanced functionality. Both are completely free to use.
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What’s New: Two Tracker Versions
Basic Tracker Features:
- Track all books you’ve read
- Generate reading statistics
- Monitor pages read and genres
- Rate your books
New & Improved Tracker Features:
- Everything in the basic version, plus:
- Book covers gallery
- Story type and tropes tracking
- Personal reading challenge tracker
- Thematic analysis
Both spreadsheets are set to view-only. Simply make a copy to start using it as your own.
A Note of Gratitude
I want to give a massive thank you to Smart Bitches, Trashy Books for creating the original spreadsheet and releasing a new version annually. My versions have evolved significantly from their original template, but without their inspiration and foundation, I would never have started this project. If you’re not familiar with their work, I highly recommend checking them out.
New & Improved Reading Tracker Spreadsheet 2026
The upgraded version combines simplicity with powerful features, making it easy to track your reading while gaining meaningful insights into your habits.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Book Data Track pages read, genres, formats (hardback, paperback, eBook), and ratings at a glance. Export your reading data into beautiful visual statistics.
- Story Type & Tropes Tracking Categorize books by story type and identify common tropes or themes you love. This feature is perfect for discovering patterns in your reading preferences.
- Personal Reading Goals Set annual or monthly reading challenges and monitor your progress throughout the year. Stay motivated with built-in goal tracking.
- Book Covers Gallery Create a visual collection of every book you’ve read. It’s a wonderful way to look back at your reading journey and appreciate the diversity of your library.
- Reading Challenge Tracker Track participation in reading challenges and readathons. Stay organized when juggling multiple challenges throughout the year.
The spreadsheet is set to view only. You must make a copy to use as your own.
Original Basic Reading Tracker Spreadsheet 2026
Sometimes simple is best. The original tracker is the one that started it all—a clean, no-fuss approach to organizing your reading life.
Perfect for readers who want to keep things straightforward, this version focuses on essential tracking: books read, pages, ratings, genres, and formats. You’ll still gain valuable insights into your reading habits without the extra complexity.
Whether you’re a casual reader tracking favorites or a bookworm logging hundreds of titles, this tracker delivers reliable organization and useful statistics.
The spreadsheet is set to view only. You must make a copy to use as your own.
Ready for More? Advanced Trackers on Etsy
If you’re looking to take your tracking to the next level, consider exploring the comprehensive spreadsheet trackers available on Etsy. These advanced options offer extensive customization, detailed analytics, and beautiful design aesthetics for readers who love diving deep into the data.
These premium trackers are perfect if you want a more polished, professionally-designed solution with features beyond what I’ve included in my free versions.
Which Tracker Is Right for You?
- Explore Etsy options if you want premium design and advanced customization
- Choose the basic version if you prefer simplicity and straightforward tracking
- Choose the improved version if you enjoy detailed analytics, cover galleries, and challenge tracking
Your Feedback Matters
I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below to share how you’re using these trackers or suggest features you’d like to see in future versions. Your input helps me create better tools for our reading community.
Support My Work
If you’ve found these resources helpful, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Even a small contribution helps me continue offering free tools and developing new resources for book lovers like you. Every coffee truly means the world to me.
Happy reading, and thank you for being part of this community!
Connect with Me
Elaine Howlin 