Google Sheets Course Notes

Jul 26, 2024

Google Sheets Course Notes

Introduction to Google Sheets

  • Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet program.
  • It is part of Google’s free office suite.
  • Facilitator: Joe.

Accessing Google Sheets

  • Opening Google Sheets:

    • Use a web browser (recommended: Google Chrome).
    • Sign in using your Google account credentials.

  • Navigating to Google Sheets:

    • Use the app launcher (the grid or waffle icon) to select Sheets.
    • Access recent files, templates, or start a new blank file.
    • Quick access: Type sheets.new in the URL bar to create a new untitled spreadsheet.

Understanding the Interface

  • Menu Navigation:

    • Drop-down menus available for File, Edit, View, Insert, and Format.
    • Quick Access Toolbar provides commonly used commands.

  • Naming Your Spreadsheet:

    • Click on "Untitled spreadsheet" to rename.

  • Help Menu:

    • Use the help section to search for commands (e.g., bold, underline) with keyboard shortcuts.

Selecting and Navigating Cells

  • Navigation Methods:

    • Click with the mouse or use arrow keys.
    • Use the Tab key to move right and Enter to move down.
    • Use Shift + Tab to move left and Shift + Enter to navigate up.

  • Selecting Cells:

    • Click and drag to select.
    • Hold Ctrl + Shift and use arrow keys to select contiguous cells.

Entering and Editing Data

  • To input data, click on a cell and start typing.
  • Use the formula bar for editing or backspace to change cell contents.
  • Cells can hold true values and formula values (e.g., 1 + 0).
  • To edit data, click on the cell and adjust in the formula bar.

Analyzing Data with Explore Tool

  • Creating and Inputting Data:

    • Enter fake data such as salesperson names and sales amounts.

  • Using Explore:

    • Opens from the bottom right corner of Google Sheets.
    • You can ask questions, visualize data, and generate charts.

Performing Calculations

  • Simple Calculations:

    • Begin with an equal sign (=) to perform math operations (+, -, *, /).

  • Example: =B2+C2+D2, then press Enter.

  • Functions vs. Formulas:

    • Functions are built-in calculations (e.g., =SUM(range)).
    • Use tab to open parentheses and select cell ranges easily.

  • AutoFill:

    • Click and drag the small square in the bottom right corner of a cell to fill patterns.

Formatting and Appearance

  • Hiding and Freezing Rows/Columns:

    • Use the Insert menu to add or hide rows and columns.
    • Freeze to keep headers visible when scrolling.

  • Formatting Text:

    • Align, merge, and rotate text via the Format menu.
    • Wrap text to ensure long phrases don't overflow into adjacent cells.

Using Templates

  • Access templates through Google Sheets startup page or template gallery.
  • Example template: To-do list with checkboxes for task management.

Advanced Features

  • Spell Check: Use the tools menu to check for spelling errors throughout your sheet.
  • Full Screen Mode: To focus on your data without distractions, use the view menu.
  • Downloading and Publishing: Export in various formats (PDF, Excel) or publish the sheet to the web.
  • Emailing as Attachment: Use the file menu to send the sheet as an email attachment.

Conclusion

  • Practice the concepts covered including navigating, formatting, and using formulas/functions in Google Sheets.
  • Consider live classes for deeper learning.

Thank you for attending!