How to Create a Table in Google Sheets: In-Depth Tutorial

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for creating and designing data, as well as performing data visualizations. It offers a wide range of features, and creating and designing tables is one of the many things you can achieve.

This article is for beginners who have just started with Google Sheets. Let’s explore how to create a table in Google Sheets so that you can organize your data and make it easy to read. Additionally, we’ll enhance the visualization and functionality of the table to make it more effective.

How to Create a Table in Google Sheets?

The fundamental concept of a table is common, although the specifics may differ depending on the spreadsheet software. In the case of Excel tables, you may not have access to all the built-in features of Google Sheets tables.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the functionality exists but works differently. Let’s start by creating a simple table in Google Sheets.

1. Go to Google Sheets and add a column header.

2. Add your table row data.

That’s how you can create a simple table in Google Sheets. Now, let’s explore how to enhance the appearance of the table by applying formatting options. Additionally, we’ll learn how to add features such as filtering, collapsing, and making the table functional.

Formatting Google Sheets Tables

Google Sheets has many features to make your table look as beautiful as you want. When creating a table in Google Sheets, you might want to apply alternating row colors, a filtered table, or even a collapsible or searchable table depending on your needs.

Let’s start by creating a Google Sheets table by applying alternating row colors.

Customize Row Colors

1. Select the range of cells containing your table, including the headers.
2. Go to Format > Alternating Colors.
3. Google Sheets automatically recognizes headers by checking the Header checkbox. If it doesn’t, check the box yourself.
4. You can choose one of Google Sheets’ default styles or create a custom style by manually selecting the color for the header and alternate colors for the rows. Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of your table, click Done.
5. To remove alternating row colors, click the Remove Alternate Colors button located in the bottom-right corner of the page. Let’s move on to the section on how to create a collapsible table in Google Sheets.

Collapsible Table in Google Sheets

When you have a large table, hiding data can lead to mistakes. In such cases, a collapsible table can be a lifesaver. You can easily organize the data in an enhanced way.

Instead of hiding them, you can group rows or columns to create collapsible sections.

To group table rows

1. Select all rows except the headers or the rows you want to collapse.
2. Right-click in the row number area, choose Show more row actions, and then select Group rows.

3. Click the minus symbol in the top-left corner to collapse the rows.
4. To expand the table, click the plus symbol in the top-left corner.

To group table columns

1. Select the columns you want to collapse.
2. Right-click in the column letter area, select Show more column actions, and then choose Group columns.

3. Click the minus symbol above the first grouped column to collapse the columns.
4. To expand the columns, click the plus symbol provided.

By following these steps, you can easily make your table collapsible in Google Sheets, thereby improving its organization and readability. Now, let’s see how you can create a filtered table in Google Sheets.

Creating a Filtered Table in Google Sheets

It’s worth noting that in Google Sheets, only one filtered table is allowed per sheet. If you need to use multiple filtered tables in a single file, make sure each table is placed on a separate sheet or tab. To add filters to each column for easy data filtering and sorting, follow these steps:

• Select any header in your table. Go to Data in the menu bar. Now click Create a filter.
• The filter icon will now appear to the right of each header. Click the filter icon in any column to access sorting and filtering options.

By following these steps, you can effectively filter and sort your data in Google Sheets using the column filters available.

A Functional Table in Google Sheets

Using named ranges in Google Sheets can save you a lot of time when referencing data in tables or formulas. You can name the entire range or individual columns, allowing for easy manipulation and reference of data.

Here are the steps to name your entire table and specific columns, along with examples of using named ranges in Google Sheets functions:

Step 01: Select the range of cells containing your table and go to Data > Named ranges. Enter the desired name for your table and click Done.

The named table will appear in the sidebar under Named Ranges.

Step 02: To name a column, select it and click Add a range.

Once the column has a name, you can reference it from other cells, such as to find the total sum of purchases.

Step 03: In an empty cell, enter the SUM function. After the parenthesis, start typing the exact name of the column, then select it from the suggestion box. Close the parenthesis and press Enter. You now have the sum of all purchases using the named range.

By following these steps, you can easily name your tables and columns, making it easier to reference and manipulate data in Google Sheets.

How to Create a Dropdown List in Google Sheets

To create a dropdown list in Google Sheets, follow these simple steps:

1. Right-click on a cell in your Google Sheets.
2. Among the options that appear, select Data Validation.
3. A sidebar will open on the right side of the window. In the sidebar, you can add the options that will appear in the dropdown list.
4. For each option, provide a name, select a color if desired, and click Add Another Item to add more options to the list.

Integrating Google Sheets Tables on Your Website

The previous section focused on creating a table in Google Sheets. But if you own a website, you need options to integrate that table on your site. This additional section is for those looking for a table builder that allows them to embed their tables on the website.

Here, we present Crawlan, the best Google Sheets table integration tool that lets you embed your tables on your web pages or articles. It offers over 100 customization options and many other exclusive features.

The best thing is the responsiveness of your table. Crawlan optimizes your tables for your mobile table interface. As for SEO schema, all your mobile tables will be SEO optimized when you create your tables with Crawlan.

Conclusion

Google Sheets offers a wide range of features that allow you to easily customize your tables according to your preferences. Plus, you can further enhance your tables by incorporating more advanced features.

Now, you have a thorough understanding of creating basic tables in Google Sheets. Additionally, you’ve gained techniques to enhance their visual appeal using distinct headers and alternating row colors.

To take the visualization of your tabular data to the next level, consider using Crawlan, which seamlessly integrates with Google Sheets and allows you to present all your tables on your websites.

For more information, feel free to explore our blogs on Google Sheets integration, table plugins, and tutorials. Stay updated with our social media for valuable tips, tricks, and updates to make your website truly amazing. Visit Crawlan.com for more details.