All About Google Sheets

Updated in 5th of March 2025

by McFAI — Tech

Key Features Virtual Assistants Should Learn (With Steps)


1️⃣ Creating & Formatting Spreadsheets – Organize data effectively

Steps:

  1. Open Google Sheets and click "Blank" to create a new spreadsheet.
  2. Click on a cell and type to enter data.
  3. Use the toolbar to change font size, colors, bold, italics, and borders for readability.


2️⃣ Real-Time Collaboration – Work with clients & teams instantly

Steps:

  1. Click the "Share" button (top-right corner).
  2. Enter email addresses of collaborators.
  3. Set permissions: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.
  4. Click "Send", and your team can edit or view the sheet live.


3️⃣ Data Entry & Validation – Ensure clean, structured data

Steps:

  1. Click on the column header where you want to apply data validation.
  2. Go to Data > Data validation and set rules (e.g., dropdown lists, number limits).
  3. Click Save, and only valid data will be accepted in the selected cells.


4️⃣ Sorting & Filtering Data – Find information quickly

Steps:

  1. Click on the column header you want to sort.
  2. Go to Data > Sort Range, then select Ascending (A-Z) or Descending (Z-A).
  3. To filter, click Data > Create a filter and use the dropdowns in headers to filter values.


5️⃣ Using Formulas & Functions – Automate calculations

Steps:

  1. Click on a cell and type = followed by the formula (e.g., =SUM(A1:A10)).
  2. Some essential formulas for Virtual Assistants include:
    • =SUM(range) → Adds up numbers in a range.
    • =AVERAGE(range) → Finds the average.
    • =IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false) → Sets conditional logic.
    • =VLOOKUP(value, table, column_number, FALSE) → Searches for data in a table.


6️⃣ Conditional Formatting – Highlight important data

Steps:

  1. Select a range of cells.
  2. Click Format > Conditional Formatting.
  3. Set rules (e.g., color cells red if value < 50).
  4. Click Done, and important data will be visually highlighted.


7️⃣ Creating Charts & Graphs – Visualize data

Steps:

  1. Select your data range.
  2. Click Insert > Chart.
  3. Choose a chart type (bar, pie, line, etc.).
  4. Customize it using the Chart Editor panel.


8️⃣ Importing & Exporting Data – Work with different file formats

Steps:

  1. Click File > Download As and choose Excel, CSV, or PDF.
  2. To import a file, click File > Import and upload an external spreadsheet.


9️⃣ Automation with Google Forms & Scripts – Collect data & streamline work

Steps:

  1. Click Tools > Create a form to connect Google Forms for surveys or data collection.
  2. Use Google Apps Script (under Tools) to automate repetitive tasks like sending email alerts when data changes.


The video below offers a complete tutorial on how to use Google Sheets. If you`re already comfortable with Google Sheets, feel free to skip it.


Module Exercise


Create a Google Sheet with the following details:

  1. Enter a list of 5 students` names in Column A (A2 to A6).
  2. In Column B, enter their corresponding scores out of 100.
  3. Use a formula to calculate the average score in Cell B7.
  4. Set the sheet`s sharing settings to "Anyone with the link can edit." Then, write about your experience using Google Sheets as a beginner and share it with our community.

Bonus: Apply a conditional formatting rule to highlight scores below 50 in red.




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