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How to Create a Spreadsheet in Excel - A Step-By-Step Guide

November 15, 2023 2.2K views

Got some work that requires using an Excel spreadsheet, but you're not sure how to create one? Don't worry, in this article, we'll learn how to create a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. We'll also explore how to utilize different features in Excel to make your tasks easier.

How to Create a Spreadsheet in Excel


How to Create a Spreadsheet in Excel (In Easy Steps)

Let's delve into the step on how to make a spreadsheet on Excel:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel on your computer and navigate to the "New" option in the sidebar menu.

Step 2: To start a new blank spreadsheet, select "Blank Workbook".

Excel Blank Workbook


Step 3: If you prefer to use a template to create a new workbook, scroll down to find the desired template, and click on it to open a preview.

Excel create new workbook with template


Step 4: Within the preview window, click "Create" to generate a new workbook with your chosen template.

Excel create workbook with template


Creating a spreadsheet in Excel is a straightforward process. However, understanding this alone is not adequate. In the following guide, we will elaborate on how to perform various functions in Excel.

Tip

In Microsoft Excel, you can quickly create a new blank spreadsheet by using the shortcut key "CTRL + N" while on the Excel interface. This action will promptly generate a fresh, editable spreadsheet that can be modified and saved.

How to Rename/Delete/Hide Spreadsheet?(Expanded)

While working on a workbook with multiple worksheets in Excel, there are instances where you may need to rename, hide, or even delete a sheet for better organization. Now that we've learned how to create an Excel spreadsheet, let's explore how to perform these actions.

Rename Excel Spreadsheet

Step 1: To rename a sheet, navigate to the bottom of Excel's interface where you'll find the sheet tab, listing all your spreadsheets.

Step 2: Right-click on the sheet you wish to rename, let's say "January", and select "Rename" from the context menu.

Step 3: Type the new name you desire for your sheet and press "Enter" on your keyboard.

Excel rename Spreadsheet


Delete Excel Spreadsheet

Step 1: To delete a sheet, return to the sheet tab.

Step 2: Right-click on the sheet you want to delete.

Step 3: In the context menu, click on "Delete". Excel will present you with a warning message; confirm by clicking "Delete" to permanently remove the sheet.

Excel delete Spreadsheet


Hide Excel Spreadsheet

Step 1: If you wish to hide a specific sheet in your Excel spreadsheet, right-click on the sheet you want to conceal.

Step 2: Click on "Hide" to hide the sheet.

Excel hide Spreadsheet


How to Format Excel Spreadsheet? (Expanded)

You've created a spreadsheet, added all the necessary data, but now it's time to present it. Therefore, we need to understand how to format our spreadsheet properly.

Step 1: To emphasize the header cells, navigate to the "Home" tab, and in the "Font" section, select the "Fill Color" option to change the cell background color.

Excel Spreadsheet Fill Color


Step 2: Enhance the visual impact of your headings by selecting the desired cells and clicking on the "B" (Bold) icon in the "Font" section.

Excel Spreadsheet Font style


Step 3: To improve readability, increase the font size of your headings. In the "Font" section, click on "Increase Font Size".

Excel Spreadsheet Increase font style


Step 4: Optimize column width for your data. Select the entire column by clicking on the column letter at the top and then drag the column borders to resize.

Excel Spreadsheet resize column


Step 5: Center-align your headings for a clean presentation. Access the "Alignment" section to make this adjustment.

Excel Spreadsheet Alignment


Step 6: Customize the font color for specific elements by choosing the "Font Color" option within the "Font" section.

Excel Spreadsheet Font Color


Step 7: If your data includes financial figures, format them as currency. Select the "Sales" column, and in the "Numbers" section of the "Home" tab, choose the "Currency" option.

Excel Spreadsheet Format cells


Step 8: Enhance data visualization by including charts. Select the relevant data columns, then navigate to the "Insert" tab. Click on "Charts" and choose the chart type that best suits your needs.

Excel Spreadsheet Insert chart


Step 9: It is essential to save your formatted spreadsheet to preserve the formatting changes. Go to the "File" menu and select "Save As" to ensure your work is saved securely.

Excel Spreadsheet save spreadsheet


Once your spreadsheet is professionally formatted, you are ready to share it with others. Best of luck with your spreadsheet endeavors. If you are seeking a free alternative for creating Excel spreadsheets, please refer to the next section.

How to Create an Excel Spreadsheet with WPS Spreadsheet for Free?

WPS Spreadsheet is a versatile tool that seamlessly integrates with popular office suites like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, and OpenOffice Calc. What sets it apart is its compatibility with commonly used file formats such as .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt, and .csv. This compatibility ensures that you can access and edit your Excel files with ease, whether you're on a mobile device, a computer, or a web page.

WPS Spreadsheet


My experience with WPS Spreadsheet has been exceptionally positive. It's user-friendly and offers a wide array of features that cater to different user needs. Here are some key features that make WPS Spreadsheet stand out:

  • Lightweight and Fast: WPS Spreadsheet is remarkably lightweight, making it a quick and responsive tool. Whether you're dealing with small or extensive spreadsheets, it handles tasks efficiently.

  • Support for Online Documents: One of the standout features of WPS Spreadsheet is its ability to seamlessly integrate with online document management. You can work on your spreadsheets across various platforms, ensuring your data is accessible whenever and wherever you need it.

  • Safety and Stability: WPS Spreadsheet prioritizes data security. Your work is safeguarded, and the tool offers stability, minimizing the risk of crashes or data loss.

Who Should Consider WPS Spreadsheet?

WPS Spreadsheet is an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Whether you're a student managing your coursework, a business professional handling financial data, or anyone who relies on spreadsheets for data organization, WPS Spreadsheet is suitable for you. Its versatility and compatibility with various file formats make it a go-to solution for spreadsheet management.

Steps to Download WPS Office

Step 1:  Start by going to the WPS Office website on your computer and clicking on "Free Download" icon located at the center.

WPS Office Download


Step 2: Find the "wps_wid.cid" setup file in your downloads and click on it.

WPS Office installation file


Step 3: You have to agree to the terms and conditions, then click “Install Now”.

WPS Office Install now


Step 4: You should be able to use WPS Office now!

WPS Office interface


Easy Steps to Open and Edit Excel Spreadsheet with WPS Office

Step 1: Begin by launching WPS Office and click on "New" in the sidebar menu.

Step 2: To initiate a new spreadsheet, select "Sheet" and opt for a "Blank" document. Alternatively, you can choose from the available templates in the interface.

WPS new Spreadsheet


Step 3: Now, start entering your data into the cells of the spreadsheet. To enhance the appearance of your spreadsheet, use the formatting options provided in the toolbar.

Step 4: Organize your data by employing sorting, filtering, or cell highlighting to meet your specific requirements.

Step 5: Customize the document layout by making formatting choices, such as modifying font size, color, and text alignment.

Step 6: Incorporate calculations into your spreadsheet by utilizing formulas, including calculations for totals and averages.

WPS Spreadsheet tools


WPS Template - Make your Spreadsheet excellent

In WPS Office, you can find a diverse selection of templates for formatting documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. One of the standout features is the availability of premium designs that add a touch of sophistication to your work.

WPS Template


Here's what makes WPS templates exceptional:

  • User-Friendly Design: WPS Office templates are intuitively crafted for ease of use. You don't need to be a design expert to create professional-looking documents.

  • Incredible Customizability: The level of customization available is impressive. You can effortlessly modify fonts, colors, and other design elements to suit your specific needs, ensuring your documents are tailored to your vision.

  • Diverse Selection: WPS Office provides an extensive array of templates, catering to a wide range of purposes. Whether you need a resume, business report, presentation, brochure, or more, you'll find templates that fit the bill.

  • Professional Aesthetics: WPS templates are professionally designed, giving your documents a polished and sophisticated look. This is vital, especially in business and formal contexts where a professional appearance matters.

  • Seamless Compatibility: WPS Office templates seamlessly integrate with the suite of applications offered by WPS Office. This ensures a smooth and cohesive experience when working on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

  • Always Fresh: WPS Office keeps its template library updated, ensuring that you have access to contemporary and up-to-date designs for your documents. Your creations will always be in line with the latest trends.

To explore and start using these incredible templates:

Step 1: Open WPS Office on your system and navigate to the "New" option in the sidebar menu.

Step 2: To view the available templates, you can access various categories. To explore Spreadsheet templates specifically, click on "Sheets" from the sidebar menu.

Step 3: Now, you can search for the template that suits your needs. Simply double-click on the template to preview it before downloading.

Step 4: If you find a template that aligns with your requirements, proceed by clicking on "Download" in the preview page.

Step 5: Once the template has been successfully downloaded, it will automatically open in the WPS Spreadsheet interface. From there, you can edit the template as needed and then save your work.

WPS Office Template Store


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FAQS:

Q1. Can I use Excel on a Mac computer?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Excel on a Mac. Microsoft offers an Excel version particularly suited for Mac operating systems. It means that you can create, read, and edit Excel files on your Mac in the same way that you would do on a Windows PC. However, certain functions of Excel may differ between Windows and Mac versions, such as Keyboard Shortcuts, user interface, and Add-Ins and Extensions.

Q2. Is it possible to collaborate on Excel spreadsheets with others?

Yes, you can effortlessly collaborate with others on Excel spreadsheets through cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive. These cloud services provide suitable and efficient ways to work together on Excel files, encouraging real-time collaboration and improving productivity.

Q3. Is WPS Spreadsheet a suitable tool for creating Excel spreadsheets?

WPS Spreadsheet is a great option for crafting Excel spreadsheets. It is compatible with office suites like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, and OpenOffice Calc. It also supports famous file formats such as .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt, and .csv, offering flexibility in managing Excel files on your mobile devices, computers, or web pages.

Mastering Excel Spreadsheets

If you ever find yourself uncertain about the basics of how to create a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, remember that everyone starts their journey from a point of unfamiliarity. If you ever find yourself uncertain about the basics, there's no need to worry. Commend yourself for embarking on this journey into the world of spreadsheets, which has the potential to unlock numerous opportunities as you progress. The key is consistency in your learning process. WPS Office offers a user-friendly interface, providing you with the convenience you need. So, seize the chance and download WPS Office today to kickstart your spreadsheet journey.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.