On June 6, 2006, Google released a "limited trial" spreadsheet service to a small group of users. This trial version remains now. Google Sheets is widely used as a subsection of Google Docs. This service resembles a simple version of Microsoft Excel with some online features such as the ability to work together. And also Google Sheets has a convenient and intuitive interface.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Open the table
Step 1. Go to the Google Sheets website
Find the app by going to the Google Sheets website. You can also do this by clicking the hash in the upper right corner of your Google home screen, your Gmail account, or any Google Search results page. Select the Documents option and then click on the three horizontal lines menu in the upper left corner of the Documents page. The Tables option will be second from the top. Click on it. You can also access Google Sheets through Google Drive by clicking on "My Drive" in the drop-down menu. "Tables" will be one of the options on this page.
Step 2. Open a new table
Under the heading "Create Table" you will see several templates. Blank File is the most basic template, but templates for budgets, calendars, and other reports will also be available to choose from. Click on "Template Gallery" to display a few more templates.
Step 3. Rename the table
In the upper left corner of the new table, you will see the text "New Table" in italics. Just click on it, replace it with the name under which you save the document, and press ⏎ Return.
Step 4. Open an existing table on your computer
Please note that among the available templates there may already be documents from Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. These are documents that have already been saved in the My Drive section. If you want to open a table that is not in the "My Disk" section, click on the folder icon in the upper right corner of the screen (where it says "Open Explorer" if you hover over it). The Download option is on the far right side. Drag a file from your computer into this window, or simply select it from the desired folder.
Part 2 of 3: Use Google Sheets
Step 1. Enter data in rows and / or columns
Note that you can rename the first cells in rows or columns. To do this, highlight the text of the initial cells in bold so that they can be distinguished from numerical data. The columns go up to the letter "Z", and the rows are initially 1000.
To add more lines, scroll to the bottom and click on the "Add" button. After it is a text box (with the text “lines at the bottom”) where you can specify how many lines you want to add
Step 2. Modify the rows and columns
To somehow change an entire line (delete, hide, copy, paste, and so on), right-click on its number and select the desired function from the menu that appears. To do the same for an entire column, click on the drop-down arrow that appears when you hover the cursor over the letter of the column.
- To move or delete a column or row, click on his / her number or letter (respectively), and then click on the "Modify" tab on the toolbar.
- To insert a new row or column at a specific location, click on a cell in the desired row or column, and then click on the Insert tab. You will see options to insert a row or column above, below, to the right, or to the left of the selected cell.
Step 3. Format cells, rows or columns
To change an entire row or column, click on the corresponding letter or number. To change one cell, select that cell. When you have selected the desired dataset, click on the "Format" tab or select the desired option for formatting (Font, Font Size, Bold, Italic, etc.) on the toolbar.
- You can also use the Format tab and toolbar to specify the alignment and flow of text or data in a cell, row, or column.
- If you select multiple cells (horizontally or vertically), the Merge Cells option appears on the Format tab and toolbar.
- You can change how numbers appear in a cell, row, or column by using the Numbers submenu on the Format tab. With it, numbers can be displayed in several ways (Currency, Interest, and so on). The toolbar contains commonly used number formatting options, as well as a small drop-down menu with additional formats.
Step 4. Organize your data
When you select the desired array of data from specific cells, rows or columns, sort or filter them by clicking on the "Data" tab. For simplicity, data ranges can even be named.
Step 5. Insert graphics
Various graphics can help others understand your data better. Options for inserting a chart, image, link, shape, or graphic are at the bottom of the drop-down menu that appears after clicking on the Insert tab.
Step 6. Execute the function
Google Sheets' ability to perform calculations is one of its most useful features. The Function option is located in the Insert tab as well as on the far right side of the toolbar. By clicking on the button on the toolbar, you will display several frequently used functions (SUM, AVERAGE, etc.), as well as other functions at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
- Google Sheets has most of the same features as Microsoft Excel. So if you already have experience with Excel, working in Google Sheets should be easy.
- More advanced users can create their own functionality using Google Apps Script. More information on creating functions can be found on the Internet.
Part 3 of 3: Save and Share Your Spreadsheet
Step 1. Complete the table
Although Google Sheets automatically saves drafts, rename the spreadsheet again or make a copy of it before sharing this document with others. All of these options can be found in the "File" tab.
Step 2. Share the table
The Share option is found not only in the File tab, but also in the form of a blue button in the upper right corner of the screen. Click on it, and then enter the email addresses of the users you want to share the table with. Choose whether to allow others to edit, comment, or just view the document. You will also have the option to create a generic link that you can submit separately.
Step 3. Download the spreadsheet
If you want to save a copy of the spreadsheet on your computer, select the Save As option in the File tab. You will see several options, including the option to save the document as a Microsoft Excel (.xls) file or PDF file.
Step 4. Email the spreadsheet
This option is in the "File" tab. You can send the spreadsheet to other collaborators (those you have already decided to share the spreadsheet with) or to other users as an attachment.