A spreadsheet lets you organize numbers and text into rows and columns you can sort, total, and chart. Starting one in Microsoft Excel takes only a minute, and a little structure up front keeps your data easy to work with.
What you'll need
- Microsoft Excel
Step by step
- Open a new workbookLaunch Excel and choose Blank workbook. You get an empty grid of cells arranged in lettered columns and numbered rows.
- Add column headersType a label in the top cell of each column, such as Date, Item, and Amount. Headers tell you what each column holds and help with sorting later.
- Enter your dataFill in one record per row beneath the headers. Press Tab to move right and Enter to drop to the next row.
- Format the headersSelect the header row, then use the Home tab to make it bold and add a fill color so it stands out from the data.
- Add a total with a formulaClick an empty cell below a number column and type =SUM( then select the numbers and press Enter to add them up.
- Save your workPress Ctrl+S on Windows or Command+S on a Mac, give the file a clear name, and choose where to save it.
Handy tips
- Turn your range into a table with Ctrl+T to get automatic filtering, banded rows, and easy sorting.
- Freeze the top row from the View tab so headers stay visible as you scroll.
- Keep one piece of information per column so you can sort and total cleanly.
FAQ
What is the difference between a workbook and a spreadsheet?
A workbook is the whole Excel file, and it can hold several spreadsheets, also called worksheets or tabs, at the bottom of the window.
How do I add up a column of numbers?
Click an empty cell below the numbers, type =SUM(, select the range of cells, close the bracket, and press Enter.
Can I make a chart from my spreadsheet?
Yes. Select your data including headers, go to the Insert tab, and choose a chart type such as column or line to visualize it.