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Cloud migration TCO and cost comparison template

Compare the cost of staying versus moving over three years. Free download in Excel.

CM-TPL-ASS-09Assess phaseExcelFree
Download Excel (.xlsx)
Free download

Download the tco and cost comparison template

Compare the three-year cost of staying on the current platform with moving to the target, using your own figures.

Download Excel (.xlsx)

Free to use and adapt. Document ID CM-TPL-ASS-09, version 1.0, November 2026.

What's inside

What the template includes

Sheet: Cost inputs

11 columns, with dropdowns, formulas and 13 example rows:

ScenarioCategoryCost itemYear 0 (one-off)Year 1Year 2Year 33-year totalSource / basisConfidenceNotes

Sheet: Comparison

8 columns, formulas and 5 example rows:

PeriodColumn (1-4 = year, 5 = total)StayMoveDifference (Stay - Move)Difference %Cheaper optionCommentary

Sheet: Non-financial factors

5 columns, with dropdowns and 5 example rows:

FactorStayMoveWeight (1-5)Favours
How to use it

How to use this template

  1. On Cost inputs, enter one cost item per row and choose the scenario: Stay (current platform) or Move (target platform).
  2. Enter numbers only (no text) in the Year 0 to Year 3 columns. Year 0 is one-off cost incurred before or during the migration.
  3. Include hidden costs: hardware refresh, support renewals, staff time, overlap licences, backup, power and datacentre space.
  4. Record the source for every figure (quote reference, invoice, estimate) so finance can audit it.
  5. The Comparison sheet totals each scenario by year and shows the difference; a positive difference means Move costs less.
  6. This template contains no example amounts; all figures must come from your own quotes and records.
Built to a standard

Ready to share with your steering committee

  • Branded cover or instructions page with document ID and version
  • QR code linking to the latest version, and a Code128 barcode for your document register
  • Document control, approval block and a clear disclaimer
  • Example rows written for real migration projects, which you replace with your own
Use it with

Guides that use this template

How to migrate between clouds or bring workloads back on premisesVMware alternatives after the Broadcom licensing changes
FAQ

Questions about this template

Is the tco and cost comparison template free?

Yes. Download it in Excel and adapt it for your organisation. No sign-up is needed.

Can I use it in Google Sheets or Google Docs?

Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets or Docs. Dropdowns and most formulas carry across; check conditional formatting after converting.

Can I remove the Cloud-Migrations branding?

Yes. Replace the logo and footer with your own. Keep the disclaimer in mind: the template is general guidance and needs adapting to your project.

How do I know I have the latest version?

Scan the QR code on the cover or instructions sheet. It opens this page, which always links to the current version.