{"id":11761,"date":"2019-05-24T09:47:52","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T06:47:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/?p=11761"},"modified":"2026-04-13T11:56:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T08:56:43","slug":"google-sheets-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/google-sheets-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Sheets Tutorial for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"intro-text\">Google Sheets is a powerful tool you can use for a variety of data-driven tasks. At the same time, to get into the intricacies GSheets can provide, you need to start from the basics. And this tutorial for beginners is meant to help you with that. Here we go!<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"aspect-ratio\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FIkZ1sPmKNw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<em>Before we begin, make sure that you have an active Google account. If you don\u2019t have one, we do recommend you spend a few minutes to create it. The tutorial will be more useful if you reconcile theory and practice right away. If you prefer watching than reading, check out the YouTube version of this tutorial.<\/em>\n<h2>How to create and find a spreadsheet in Google Drive<\/h2>\nTo create a new spreadsheet, go to <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Drive<\/a>. It contains folders and files, and you need to create a new folder by clicking <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">+ New<\/span> on top. Let\u2019s call it <strong> Google Sheets for Beginners<\/strong>. Click <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">Create<\/span> to proceed.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11817\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img34.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets tutorial - Step 1\" width=\"873\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img34.png 873w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img34-360x207.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img34-768x443.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 873px) 100vw, 873px\" \/>\n\nAfter that you can create a new Google Sheet:\nGo to folder \u2192 Click <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">+ New<\/span> on top \u2192 <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">Google Sheets<\/span> \u2192 select whether you want to create a blank sheet or use a template. For templates, you can either create and upload templates specific for your organization, or use Google templates gallery. Let\u2019s pick a blank sheet now.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11782\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img7.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets tutorial - how to create a new spreadsheet\" width=\"823\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img7.png 823w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img7-360x213.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img7-768x454.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 823px) 100vw, 823px\" \/>\n<h3>How to create a spreadsheet with <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">sheets.new<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the coolest tricks with creating a Google spreadsheet is to use <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">.new<\/span>. Type <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">sheets.new<\/span> in your browser, and you get a new spreadsheet created right away! It is automatically saved on your Google Drive.\n\nName the spreadsheet in the top left corner to find it easily next time using search in Google Drive. If you want to organize it, click on the folder icon. Here, you can either create a new folder to store this file or select an existing one.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11814\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img31.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets tutorial - tips to create a new spreadsheet\" width=\"674\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img31.png 674w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img31-360x256.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 674px) 100vw, 674px\" \/>\n<h2>How to upload an existing spreadsheet<\/h2>\nYou can upload your Excel or CSV file and get it converted into a Google Sheet. For this, you need to drag and drop your file to the folder on Google Drive. For multiple files, go to the Settings menu and select <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">Convert uploaded files<\/span> to avoid converting each file manually. Now, any file added to GDrive will be automatically converted without copies.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11783\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img4.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets tutorial - How to upload a spreadsheet\" width=\"884\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img4.png 884w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img4-360x201.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img4-768x429.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px\" \/>\n\nIf for some reason, you cannot make edits in your Excel or CSV file after conversion, don\u2019t worry. To make it editable, click <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">Open with Google Sheets<\/span> on top. Google will create a Google Sheet copy in the same folder.\n\nIf the source data is contained within a static file that resists direct conversion, utilizing a <a href=\"https:\/\/pdfaid.com\/pdf-to-edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PDF editor<\/a> to pre-format the tables can ensure the layout remains intact when the file is eventually imported into Google Sheets.\n<h2>Working with spreadsheets<\/h2>\nLet\u2019s go back to our blank spreadsheet. Keep in mind that Google Drive automatically saves every change you make. This message on top always shows when a change was saved.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11791\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img10.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets guide - working with spreadsheets\" width=\"876\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img10.png 876w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img10-360x141.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img10-768x300.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px\" \/>\n<h3>Add, rename, delete, and other manipulations with sheets<\/h3>\nOne spreadsheet may contain a number of sheets. We advise you to use separate ones to keep your raw data, calculations, and dashboards organized. You can find sheets in the bottom. To rename a sheet, double click on it and type the name you want. To add one more sheet, click the plus, and a new sheet appears.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11809\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img27.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets guide - basics of how to work with google sheets\" width=\"415\" height=\"552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img27.png 415w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img27-271x360.png 271w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/>\n\nYou can change the order by clicking on the sheet, holding and dragging it to the right place. If you right-click on the sheet, you can delete, duplicate, even copy it to another spreadsheet in your Google Drive.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11810\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img28.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets guide - basics of how to manipulate google sheets\" width=\"420\" height=\"555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img28.png 420w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img28-272x360.png 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>\n\nYou can also change the color of each sheet. Color coding can be very helpful if you have several sheets with raw data and calculations.\n\nIf you click <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">All Sheets<\/span>, you will see the list with color marks, and can navigate through them. This helps a lot in case you have 10 or 20 sheets in the same file, and they get hidden on the right.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11781\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img2.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets guide - basics of how to work with sheets\" width=\"731\" height=\"308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img2.png 731w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img2-360x152.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\" \/>\n<h3>Sheet structure<\/h3>\nEach sheet has cells, columns and rows.\n<h4>Columns and rows<\/h4>\nColumns are indicated alphabetically. Rows are indicated numerically.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11816\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img33.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets structure\" width=\"658\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img33.png 658w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img33-360x232.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px\" \/>\n\nSelect the whole column or the whole row by clicking on the index. If you right-click, you can see a list of options to do with a row or column: cut, copy, hide, resize, etc. You can also insert a new column on the left or right. When doing this, remember that the spreadsheet will copy the format of the original column you\u2019ve selected to the newly created one. Similarly, you can insert new rows above or below.\n\nTo select the whole sheet, use this button in the top left corner.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11820\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img38.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets structure - select the whole sheet\" width=\"517\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img38.png 517w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img38-360x226.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px\" \/>\n\nYou can also freeze columns and rows (keep them visible at any time) with these markers.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11819\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img37.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets structure - freeze columns in google sheets\" width=\"531\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img37.png 531w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img37-360x202.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px\" \/>\n<h4>Cells<\/h4>\nCells allow you to both store data and make calculations based on the data in other cells. Each cell has an index &#8211; a combination of the column and row indexes. Examples are <strong>A1<\/strong>, <strong>B2<\/strong>, <strong>C3<\/strong>, etc. Indexes are quite useful for selecting different cell ranges.\n\nFor example, if you need to sum a specific range of cells, you can select them by clicking the first cell and dragging the entire range. However, if you have a much larger dataset to work with, you can type the cell index where the range starts, colon, and the last cell index. Thus, <strong>SUM (E2:E243)<\/strong> means that all the values starting from the cell indexed <strong>E2<\/strong> to the cell indexed <strong>E243<\/strong> will be summed. Here are the most common ways to select different ranges:\n<ul style=\"margin: 0px;\">\n \t<li><strong>(A2,A5)<\/strong> &#8211; to use only the values in A2 and A5. Hold Command (for Mac) or Ctrl (for PC) and click on the cells to select.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>(A2:A5)<\/strong> &#8211; to use all values in the cells from A2 to A5. Click on the first cell and drag to select other cells.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>(A:A)<\/strong> &#8211; to use all numbers in the column. Simply click on the column index to select it.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>(A3:A)<\/strong> &#8211; to use all values from A3 to the end of the column.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>(2:2)<\/strong> &#8211; to use values in row #2. Simply click on the row index to select it.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>(A2:2)<\/strong> &#8211; to use values from A2 to the end of the row.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Data types<\/h3>\nYou can input text, numerical information, dates, currencies. To input data in the sheet, click on the cell. You can simply type the data right away or use a field here on the top. You can adjust the size of the field. But don\u2019t forget to select the correct cell before you use this input field. Entering data here is super useful when working with large functions.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11815\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img32.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - different data types in Gsheets\" width=\"656\" height=\"526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img32.png 656w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img32-360x289.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px\" \/>\n\nThe spreadsheet automatically recognizes the type of data you enter. The text is aligned on the left, numbers and dates &#8211; on the right. However, you can adjust the format manually. Use FORMAT to select the type of data you input.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11788\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img8.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - choose data types in Gsheets\" width=\"681\" height=\"477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img8.png 681w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img8-360x252.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/>\n\nThe buttons in the menu allow you to convert numbers into $ or %, as well as decrease or increase decimal places.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11813\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img30.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - manipulations with data types in Gsheets\" width=\"739\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img30.png 739w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img30-360x126.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px\" \/>\n<h4>Data formatting<\/h4>\nTo apply text formatting, you need to select the cells you want and design your texts by using font, text size, bold, italic, strikethrough, text color, etc.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11821\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img39.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - data formatting options\" width=\"582\" height=\"164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img39.png 582w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img39-360x101.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/>\n\nYou can manage text wrapping in each cell using this button in the menu. It allows you to overflow, wrap or clip text. Another option is to resize the columns manually.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11808\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img26.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - text wrapping\" width=\"668\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img26.png 668w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img26-360x143.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 668px) 100vw, 668px\" \/>\n\nIf you want to color cells to mark the headers, different types of data, or cells containing formulas and function outcomes, select the cells and use the fill color button.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11796\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img18.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - mark the headers, different types of data, or cells containing formulas\" width=\"524\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img18.png 524w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img18-360x344.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px\" \/>\n\nYou can also add visible borders using this button in the menu. It is helpful in case you want to print the results. Select the cells you want to have visible borders and apply the corresponding option: all the borders, internal borders, one border in the top, bottom, left or right, and so on. The design of your borders (color and style) can be tuned as well.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11812\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img29.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets for Beginners - add visible borders to cells\" width=\"391\" height=\"256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img29.png 391w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img29-360x236.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px\" \/>\n\nAt the same time, we do not recommend you use the borders. If you move the cell, column or row, the border will move as well. Hence, you will have to reformat your sheet over and over again.\n<h2>Google Sheets shortcuts<\/h2>\nHere are some hotkeys and keyboard functions for you to use when working with spreadsheets.\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>To move around the sheet, you can use the keyboard arrows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11798\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img20.png\" alt=\"Google Spreadsheets shortcuts\" width=\"325\" height=\"248\" \/>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>Regular keyboard shortcuts are available with Google Sheets as well:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11801\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img23.png\" alt=\"Google Spreadsheets keyboard shortcuts\" width=\"549\" height=\"549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img23.png 549w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img23-180x180.png 180w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img23-360x360.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px\" \/><em>Important note: If you copy several cells, the pasted output will contain the same cells in the same order. This might rewrite the data, so make sure you paste into empty cells.<\/em>There are different parts of the data that you can paste once copied. When you copy a set, right-click on the cell and pick Paste special to select what you want to paste: values only, format only and so on.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11793\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img12.png\" alt=\"Google Spreadsheets paste shortcuts\" width=\"789\" height=\"492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img12.png 789w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img12-360x224.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img12-768x479.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 789px) 100vw, 789px\" \/>\n\nA really cool Google Sheets feature is <span class=\"lang:default decode:true  crayon-inline \">Paste transposed<\/span>. It turns the pasted data around: what was in columns will now appear in rows and vice versa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11824\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img41.jpg\" alt=\"Google Spreadsheets paste \n transposed shortcut\" width=\"1173\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img41.jpg 1173w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img41-360x126.jpg 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img41-768x268.jpg 768w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img41-1024x358.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1173px) 100vw, 1173px\" \/>\n<ul>\n \t<li>There is a hotkey to select a set &#8211; Command+Shift+Direction Arrow for Mac\/Control+Shift+Direction Arrow for PC.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11800\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img22.png\" alt=\"Google Spreadsheets hotkey for Mac and PC\" width=\"519\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img22.png 519w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img22-360x216.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 519px) 100vw, 519px\" \/>Click on the cell you want to start from, and press Command\/Control+Shift. If you use the right arrow, it will select all of the cells that contain values on the right. If you press it once more, it will select all of the cells in the row. Use the left arrow to select the cells with values only.Now, you can press Command\/Control+Shift+Down, and Google Sheets will expand the selection to all of the columns in the set. You can select two individual cells by holding the Command key for Mac, or Control key for PC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Smart Spreadsheets<\/h2>\nIf you input text and pull the bottom right corner, it will simply copy this text to the next cell. However, spreadsheet is smart. If you input a date, or a day of the week\/month, select it, drag, and the sequence will be expanded. The same works for numbers in case you select two of them and drag the bottom right corner of the cell.\n\nCells allow you to both store data and make calculations based on the data in other cells. To make calculations, use simple math operators in spreadsheets.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11799\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img21.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets calculations\" width=\"495\" height=\"227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img21.png 495w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img21-360x165.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" \/>\n\nFor example, you need to count the sum of monthly salaries of your employees. Add a column header first &#8211; <strong>Salaries Total<\/strong>. Select a cell, type an equals sign, click on the cells with salaries and add a plus between them.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11795\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img16.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets sum calculations\" width=\"430\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img16.png 430w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img16-360x248.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 430px) 100vw, 430px\" \/>\n\nYou can add numbers manually or refer to the cells with values. Hit Enter and here is the sum of salaries.\n\nIf you want to get an average salary, add a column header <strong>Salaries Average<\/strong>, type an equals sign, click the cell containing the total value, and divide (\/) it by 3.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11784\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img6.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets average calculation\" width=\"943\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img6.png 943w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img6-360x166.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img6-768x354.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/>\n\nIf there is a repeatable calculation, and you drag the bottom right corner down, the spreadsheet will extend the calculation using the values in the new rows.\n\nLet\u2019s count the annual salary for our assumed employees. Create a new column, add a header <strong>Annual Salary<\/strong>. Now, type an equals sign, refer to the cell with the monthly salary by clicking on it or type its cell index, and multiply it (*) by 12. Press Enter.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11785\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img3.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets - how to multiply\" width=\"851\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img3.png 851w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img3-360x176.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img3-768x375.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px\" \/>\n\nIf you drag this cell down, it will copy formula for other employees. The annual salary will be calculated differently for each of them based on their monthly income, as the spreadsheet refers to different values for each new row.\n<h3>Use of data from different sheets<\/h3>\nYou can refer to cells in the same sheet or in a different sheet. Moreover, you can refer to a totally different spreadsheet from your GDrive. Let\u2019s add the number of months to a separate cell in the Data sheet and refer to it in the formula. Add it to the formula field and hit Enter.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11786\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img5.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets - reference data\" width=\"851\" height=\"492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img5.png 851w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img5-360x208.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img5-768x444.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px\" \/>\n\nIf you drag this formula, it won\u2019t work properly. The months\u2019 number needs to stay the same for all of the copied formulas. For this, you can anchor the values inside the formula using the dollar sign ($). Put $ before the letter to lock this one if formula moves to a new column, and put $ before the number to anchor this value when moving to a different row.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11787\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img1.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets - anchor data in cells\" width=\"836\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img1.png 836w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img1-360x182.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img1-768x389.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\n\nIn this example, you need to lock the number since the formula is copied to several new rows. After that, if you drag it again, and the formula will work. Use this visual tip until you master the $ anchor in spreadsheets:\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11797\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img19.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets tutorial - the $ anchor in spreadsheets tips\" width=\"606\" height=\"244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img19.png 606w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img19-360x145.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/>\n<h2>Functions in Google Sheets<\/h2>\nOne of the most useful features of Google Sheets is using different functions. To use a function, put an equals sign in a cell and start typing the name of the function. Once you do that, the list of possible functions will pop up, and you can choose one of them.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11790\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img9.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets functions\" width=\"669\" height=\"489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img9.png 669w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img9-360x263.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px\" \/>\n\nYou can find a list of quick functions in the menu as well.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11823\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img40.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets quick functions example\" width=\"499\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img40.png 499w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img40-352x360.png 352w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/>\n\nLet\u2019s try one of the most common functions &#8211; <strong>SUM<\/strong>. Click on a new cell, select the function (<strong>SUM<\/strong>) and then select the range to be summed (monthly salaries, for example). Hit Enter and get the result! Watch our video about advanced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PzNglh81NAM&amp;list=PLlRtt3cDxl4Xrc3Cs_eVDDTM_Ci9xeRQy&amp;index=7&amp;t=120s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SUM, SUMIF, SUMIFS functions<\/a> to total values based on a specific criterion.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11826\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img14-1.png\" alt=\"Google Sheets functions tutorial\" width=\"951\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img14-1.png 951w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img14-1-360x155.png 360w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img14-1-768x331.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 951px) 100vw, 951px\" \/>\n\nOther functions allow you to calculate the average value (<strong>=AVERAGE()<\/strong>), count the items in the selected range (<strong>=COUNT()<\/strong>), <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.coupler.io\/linking-google-sheets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">upload data from another spreadsheet<\/a> (<strong>=IMPORTRANGE()<\/strong>), and so on. Follow the same logic: an equals sign, function name, open parentheses, add a range, close parentheses, hit Enter. There is a huge number of functions in Google Sheets. Subscribe to Railsware\u2019s channel to learn the most useful ones.\n<h2>Collaborate in a spreadsheet using comments and notes<\/h2>\nThe last but not the least. Google Sheets is a great tool for teams to collaborate on data. There are several features that allow multiple users to work together in one spreadsheet at the same time. For project management workflows, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/integrately.com\/integrations\/clickup\/google-sheets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">send ClickUp tasks to Google Sheets<\/a> to keep your team&#8217;s task data synchronized with your spreadsheet reports.\n\nIf you work with your teammates on the same document, but not at the same time, you can leave your comments and notes for them. Right-click on the cell, and insert a comment or a note. Notes pop up if you hover over the cell. They are used to add descriptions to the data in the cells. You can leave explanations and hints for your colleagues in notes.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11792\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img11.png\" alt=\"Google sheets comments and action items\" width=\"559\" height=\"310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img11.png 559w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img11-360x200.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px\" \/>\n\nComments are actionable. You can see who is the author of the comment, reply, ask additional questions, tag users, and even have a dialog on the issue. You can mark people who should take actions on this comment by typing + and an email of the person. For example, +john.smith@company.com. They will get notified by email and any other integrated tool (we use Slack, for example). Comments are often used for tasks tracking. Once the issue is fixed, the author should mark the comment as resolved.\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11818\" src=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img36.png\" alt=\"Google sheets comments and action items example\" width=\"594\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img36.png 594w, https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img36-360x187.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px\" \/>\n\nRailsware is happy to share our best findings and approaches with readers, as well as our <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2QkhMxI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube channel<\/a> viewers. As a <a href=\"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/product-studio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">product development studio<\/a>, we work with different business aspects from product development and design to marketing and analytics. More interesting insights are ahead, so stay with us to learn different useful things.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master the basic skills in Google Sheets to solve your business and personal tasks. This tutorial guides you from how to create a spreadsheet to the essential calculations and functions of the tool<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":11806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[365,597],"tags":[],"coauthors":["Anastasiia Honcharova"],"class_list":["post-11761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights","category-railsware-academy"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"categories_data":[{"name":"Insights","link":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog?category=insights"},{"name":"Railsware Academy","link":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog?category=railsware-academy"}],"post_thumbnails":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GSTB_Img34.png","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/72"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11761"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11761\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18948,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11761\/revisions\/18948"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11761"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/railsware.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=11761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}