Editable Word template
Edit the wording and layout in Microsoft Word or a compatible app. Totals are not automatic, so check all amounts before sending.
Word · 38 KB Download Word templateFree online PO maker
Generate a Purchase Order for Free
Generate an itemized purchase order in your browser, calculate the order total automatically and use the print menu to print the PO or save it as a PDF. No account is required.
- No sign-up
- Automatic totals
- Runs in your browser
- Print or save as PDF
Create your purchase order
Every change appears in the preview immediately.
Free document downloads
Download a business purchase order template.
The online tool above calculates totals automatically. The Word file is editable but requires manual total checks, the Excel file uses formulas, and the fillable PDF requires manual total checks.
Formula-ready Excel template
Enter quantities, rates, discount, tax and payment values in the highlighted cells. Built-in formulas recalculate the totals.
Excel · 6 KB Download Excel templateFillable PDF template
Fill the document fields in a compatible PDF viewer. The PDF does not calculate totals, so check all amounts manually.
fillable PDF · 51 KB Download fillable PDF templateHow it works
How to create a purchase order online
- Enter buyer and vendor details
Identify the purchasing business, supplier and delivery destination.
- List the ordered items
Add each product or service with the requested quantity and agreed unit price.
- Review order terms
Set the delivery date, tax, discount, prepayment and purchasing instructions.
- Print or save the purchase order
Confirm the order total and use the browser print dialog to print or save the PO as a PDF.
What should a purchase order include?
A purchase order communicates what a buyer authorizes a vendor to supply. It should identify both parties, assign a unique PO number, show the order and expected delivery dates, and itemize quantities and agreed prices.
Include the billing contact, ship-to location, tax, discount, prepayment and delivery instructions. Ask the vendor to reference the PO number on its invoice and packing documentation.
- Buyer, vendor and ship-to details
- Purchase order number and dates
- Item descriptions, quantities and prices
- Tax, discount, prepayment and total
- Delivery and purchasing terms
Purchase order versus invoice
The buyer issues a purchase order to authorize a purchase. The vendor later issues an invoice to request payment for the goods or services supplied. Using distinct PO and invoice numbers makes matching and approval easier.
A purchase order does not prove that goods were delivered or paid for. Keep it with the vendor invoice, receiving record and payment record so the transaction can be checked from authorization through settlement.
- Buyer creates the purchase order
- Vendor creates the invoice
- Receiving record confirms delivery
- Payment record confirms settlement
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the purchase order tool
Can I generate a purchase order for free?
Yes. You can generate, calculate and print the purchase order without registering or paying for the tool.
How do I save the purchase order as a PDF?
Select Print or save as PDF, then choose Save as PDF from the destination options in your browser's print dialog.
Is a purchase order the same as an invoice?
No. A buyer uses a purchase order to authorize a purchase, while a vendor uses an invoice to request payment.
Who creates a purchase order?
The purchasing business or buyer normally creates and sends the purchase order to the supplier before the order is fulfilled.