10 Incredible Google Sheets Tips to Transform Your Workflow

Jeff -

Hey friends - Today we're going over 10 powerful Google Sheets tips designed to elevate your productivity, whether you're a casual user or the literally glue that's holding the company together.

From data cleaning and extraction to project management and collaboration, there's definitely something new for you!

Watch it in action

Resources

1. Convert to Table

  • Select your dataset using CMD/CTRL+A.
  • Right-click and choose "Convert to table."
  • Customize table name, colors, number formatting, and data validation.
  • Enable placeholders for specific column types like dates.
  • Use an existing table template by typing "@table."
  • Revert to unformatted data if needed.

2. Grouped Views

  • Click the calculator icon to create a group based on a specific column.
  • Save the view for easy access later.
  • Share the grouped view with colleagues via URL.

3. Filter in Google Sheets

  • Right-click on a cell and select "Filter by cell value" to create a filtered view.
  • Create a filter for cells with a specific color using conditional formatting.
  • Use checkboxes instead of "TRUE" or "FALSE" for binary options.

4. Data Cleaning in Google Sheets

  • Split text into columns using the "Data" > "Split text into columns" option.
  • Remove duplicates by selecting the data and using "Data" > "Data cleanup" > "Remove duplicates."
  • Validate data types using functions like ISEMAIL and ISURL.
  • Use the COUNTIF formula to analyze data and ensure accuracy.
  • View edit history to track changes made to specific cells.

5. Data Extraction

  • Use the "@" command to insert files, events, and people into your spreadsheets.
  • Right-click on inserted elements and select "Data extraction" to pull specific information.
  • Create dynamic org charts within Google Sheets.
  • Insert today's date using "@today" or CMD/CTRL + ;

6. Must-Use Shortcuts

  • Open a new Google Sheets document by typing "sheets.new" in your browser.
  • Navigate using CMD/CTRL + arrow keys.
  • Select cells across columns or rows using CMD/CTRL + SHIFT + arrow keys.
  • Paste values down or to the right using CMD/CTRL + D or CMD/CTRL + R.
  • Access formatting options using OPT + forward slash.

7. Project Management Use Case

  • Apply conditional formatting to highlight specific data points based on custom formulas.
  • Use conditional formatting to track task completion or identify areas needing attention.

8. Collaboration Tips

  • Share specific cell ranges with colleagues using "Get link to this range."
  • Protect sheets and set permissions to restrict edit access.

9. Convert Currencies

  • Use the GOOGLEFINANCE function to convert currencies in real-time with a 20-minute delay.
  • Update the base currency to automatically recalculate converted values.

10. Formatting Hack

  • Organize related tabs together using color-coded tabs.
  • Use blank divider tabs to visually separate sections within your spreadsheet.

If you enjoyed this...

If you found these Google Sheets tips valuable, you might also want to explore my top productivity tips for Google Docs!