How to Set Up a Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is a group of data that is arranged in several different rows and columns. There are many different ways to set up a spreadsheet, depending on the purpose of the spreadsheet, but setting up clear rows and columns is always a must. Spreadsheets can be set up using pen and paper or software programs like Microsoft Excel. No matter what method you use, the guidelines for setting up a spreadsheet are the same.
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Instructions
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Include a title at the top of the spreadsheet. The title should be very clear and specific so that you can simply look at it and know exactly what data is contained in the spreadsheet.
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Add a revised date or date modified somewhere on the spreadsheet. This can be added just under the title or in the bottom corner. Having a revised date will help you keep your information organized and will jog your memory regarding the last time the spreadsheet was updated.
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Set up column headings at the top of each column. Each column should have its own heading. Each heading should be very clear so that it is easily understood what information is in the column. It is best not to use abbreviations for column headings because the abbreviations may not be clear to everyone. Bold column headings and center them in the column.
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Set up row titles on the left side of the spreadsheet. Depending on why you are setting up a spreadsheet, you may not need row titles -- in some instances you may just be listing data under columns. Be sure to bold the row headings.
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Enter data onto the spreadsheet in the appropriate rows and columns.
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Be consistent when entering data. Enter all data in all capital letters, for example, instead of entering some data in all caps and others in title case. Also, format the data according to its type. For example, if dollar amounts are being entered, format each number so that it contains a dollar sign -- this is much more consistent than having some numbers with dollar signs and some without. It looks much more professional when everything is consistent.
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Add totals and other formulas to the spreadsheet. If you are creating a total column or row, consider making it a different color from the rest of the spreadsheet so that it stands out. If you do not want to make it a different color, be sure to bold it.
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