How to Build a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are a convenient way to stay organized, maintain a budget plan, or just track what you eat each week. Creating a spreadsheet can be a quick and easy task. The key is to stay organized when creating your spreadsheet and do not try to make your first ones overly complex. There are numerous software programs on the market to create a spreadsheet, but the basic concept of a spreadsheet is the same for all of them.
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Instructions
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Determine the purpose of your spreadsheet. Spreadsheets can be used to keep data organized for a list or complete complex calculations. Defining the purpose of your spreadsheet is a key to organizing it.
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Label the columns and rows so you know what data to put into the cells in your spreadsheet. To help make these headings stand out from the rest of your spreadsheet you can change the font type, color or size in these cells.
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Enter your data. When entering the data in a spreadsheet, make sure you are entering it into the correct cells.
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Proofread your spreadsheet. Make sure the data you entered into your cells does not have any typographical errors. These errors are especially harmful if you are entering mathematical data for calculations.
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Add any mathematical formulas. There are numerous spreadsheet programs available on the market today, and each has its own requirements for a formula. If you are not sure how to enter the formula, use the help function on the tool bar of your spreadsheet for assistance.
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Verify the calculation is correct. Try doing your calculation for your formula using a calculator, and then compare the results with your spreadsheet. This can help you determine if you typed the formula in the correct syntax for your spreadsheet.
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Add text either in a cell to the left or above the cell with the result of your calculation. This text should give a brief description of what your formula is calculating.
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Format your cells in your spreadsheet. Once you know you have your spreadsheet laid out correctly with columns and rows defined, and your formulas correctly entered you can take care of the aesthetic features of the spreadsheet. Select any cells where you wish to change the font's color, size, or type and make those changes using the font options selection in your spreadsheet. Adjust the width, height and formatting of your cells to make sure your data is viewable in your spreadsheet.
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Create a file name that describes your spreadsheet and save the file in a location on your computer that you will remember.
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Tips & Warnings
Formatting cells can be very useful. For example, you can select a large number of them at one time and make all of them convert the number in them into a percentage. You can also combine cells to create a larger cell, using formatting options for your software.
When entering large amounts of data, make sure you check up periodically to ensure you are entering it in the correct cells. This can save you a lot of time by avoiding the need to type it again.
