Spreadsheets

Google Sheets formulas, lookups, data cleaning, add-ons and Apps Script, explained step by step.

Laptop on a table showing a data dashboard with charts — Photo: Carlos Muza / Unsplash

Google Apps Script Basics: Automate Sheets With Simple Code

Mara EllisonNov 4, 20265 min read

VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP in Google Sheets: Which to Use

Mara EllisonNov 3, 20266 min read

VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP both pull matching data from another table. Here is how each works, where VLOOKUP trips people up, and when INDEX and MATCH still help.

Spreadsheets

Google Sheets Formulas for Beginners: The Ones to Learn First

Mara EllisonOct 27, 20266 min read

A short, practical tour of the Google Sheets formulas worth learning first, how cell references work, and what to do when a formula returns an error.

Spreadsheets

Google Sheets Add-ons Worth Trying (and How to Vet Them)

Mara EllisonOct 24, 20265 min read

Add-ons can extend Google Sheets with import tools, cleanup helpers and automation. Here are the categories worth trying and a safe way to vet any add-on before you install it.

Spreadsheets

How to Clean Messy Data in Google Sheets, Step by Step

Mara EllisonOct 20, 20265 min read

Imported spreadsheets are rarely tidy. Here is a safe step-by-step way to remove extra spaces, split columns, fix dates and numbers, and drop duplicates in Google Sheets.

Spreadsheets

How to Build a Simple Budget Spreadsheet in Google Sheets

Mara EllisonOct 17, 20265 min read

A simple budget spreadsheet needs only two tabs and a few formulas. Follow these steps to log expenses, total them by category and month, and see what is left to…

Spreadsheets

How To Divide In Google Sheets

Mara EllisonFeb 26, 20262 min read

Help guide for How To Divide In Google Sheets in Google Sheets. Learn how to use this feature and more with our comprehensive guides.

Spreadsheets

How To Format Background Color In Google Sheets

Mara EllisonJun 17, 20252 min read

Help guide for How To Format Background Color In Google Sheets in Google Sheets. Learn how to use this feature and more with our comprehensive guides.