Maya teaches practical spreadsheet skills to people who work with everyday business data.
Fictional instructor and course, generated for this demo.
Module 1 · Set up a clear worksheet
Read 8 minLesson 1 of 6
Understand the worksheet grid
Find your way around cells and enter a small, consistent table.
In this lesson
Identify a cell by its column letter and row number
Arrange related records in a table
A worksheet is a grid of columns and rows. Their intersection is a cell. Column letters and row numbers identify each cell: column B and row 3 meet at B3.
For a simple expense table, put one field in each column, such as Date, Item, and Amount. Put one record in each row. Use a single header row and avoid blank rows inside the table.
Create a small table
1
Add headers
Enter Date, Item, and Amount in cells A1, B1, and C1.
2
Add records
Enter one expense per row, keeping each value under the matching header.
3
Keep entries consistent
Use the same date style and currency unit throughout the table.
Module 1 · Set up a clear worksheet
Try it 7 minLesson 2 of 6
Choose useful formats
Make dates, amounts, and labels easier to scan.
In this lesson
Apply a number format that matches the data
Distinguish presentation from the stored value
Number formats change how values appear, not the underlying value. A date may be displayed as 12 Mar or 12/03/2025, and a number may be displayed as currency. Use a format that makes the meaning clear.
Use formatting sparingly. Bold headers, a readable column width, and consistent number formats usually help more than many colors or decorative effects.
Format by data type
Dates: apply a date format rather than typing extra words into each cell.
Money: use a currency format and keep the same currency throughout.
Counts: use whole numbers unless decimal values matter.
Build calculations that update when their input values change.
In this lesson
Start a formula with an equals sign
Use cell references in an arithmetic calculation
A spreadsheet formula begins with an equals sign. For example, if a price is in B2 and a quantity is in C2, enter =B2*C2 to calculate the line total. The asterisk means multiply; the slash means divide.
Cell references are more reliable than typing the input values directly into a formula. If B2 changes, a formula referring to B2 can recalculate automatically.
Calculate a line total
1
Add input columns
Create headers for Item, Price, Quantity, and Line total.
2
Enter a formula
In the first Line total cell, multiply the Price cell by the Quantity cell, such as =B2*C2.
3
Check the result
Change the quantity and confirm that the line total updates.
Use SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, and MAX to describe a set of numbers.
In this lesson
Choose a function for a simple summary
Select the intended range of cells
Functions perform common calculations. SUM adds values, AVERAGE finds their arithmetic mean, MIN returns the smallest value, and MAX returns the largest. A range such as D2:D10 means cells D2 through D10.
For example, =SUM(D2:D10) adds the values in that range. Check that the range includes the data rows you intend and does not accidentally include a label or unrelated value.
Find records without separating values from their rows.
In this lesson
Sort records by a chosen field
Filter a table to show matching records
Sorting changes the order of records. Filtering temporarily hides records that do not match a condition. Before sorting or filtering, select the full table or use the application's table feature so values in each row stay together.
A filter can show only expenses from one category or only dates within a chosen period. Clear the filter to see all records again.
Find records in a table
1
Select the table
Include the header row and every column that belongs to the records.
2
Sort or filter
Sort a field to reorder records, or set a filter condition to show matching rows.
3
Verify the table
Check that each record's values remain on the same row and clear filters when finished.
Inspect inputs, formulas, and results for common problems.
In this lesson
Spot common causes of incorrect results
Use a simple review routine before sharing
A correct-looking result can still come from an incorrect range or an inconsistent input. Look for blank cells in required fields, duplicate records, unexpected text in number columns, and formulas that refer to the wrong row.
Test a formula with a small known example. If a total should be 10 + 5, confirm the result is 15. Then review the formula and its referenced cells rather than relying on appearance alone.
Quick review routine
Confirm that each column has one clear header.
Check that dates and numbers use consistent formats.
Inspect a few formulas and verify their referenced cells.
Compare summary results with a small manual calculation.