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A spreadsheet is a great tool for adding the total of a series of items. This article explains how to make a basic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, using a simple expense report as an example.

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EditSteps

  1. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    1
    Open Excel.
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  2. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    2
    Notice there are rows and columns.
    • Each column has a capital letter on the top to show what column it is.
    • Each row has a number to the immediate left of the first column, to show what row it is. For example, the address of the cell in the first column, first row is A1. The address of the cell in the second column, third row is B3.
    • Each cell is identified by a unique address consisting of the column letter followed by the row number. For example, the address of the cell in the first column, first row is A1. The address of the cell in the second column, third row is B3.
    • If you click a cell, the cell address appears just above column A.
  3. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    3
    Click cell A1 and type: Item.
  4. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 4 Version 3.jpg
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    Click cell B1 and type: Cost.
  5. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    5
    Click cell A2 and type: Printing.
  6. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 6 Version 3.jpg
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    Click in cell B2 and type 80.00.
    • After you click outside of cell B2, 80 will show in cell B2.
  7. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    7
    Click cell A3 and type: Postage.
  8. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 8 Version 3.jpg
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    Click cell B3 and type: 75.55.
    • After you click outside of cell B3, 75.55 will show in cell B3.
  9. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 9 Version 3.jpg
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    Click cell A4 and type: Envelopes.
  10. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 10 Version 3.jpg
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    Click cell B4 and type: 6.00.
    • After you click outside of the cell B4, 6 will show in cell B4.
  11. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 11 Version 3.jpg
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    Click cell A5 and type: Total.
  12. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 12 Version 3.jpg
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    Click cell B5 and type: =SUM(B2:B4).
  13. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 13 Version 3.jpg
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    Click in another cell. A total of 161.55 will show in cell B5.
    • SUM(B2:B4) is a formula. Formulas are used to perform math functions in Excel. It is essential to put equals sign (=) just before a formula, so that Excel knows that it is a formula.
  14. Make a Spreadsheet in Excel Step 14 Version 3.jpg
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    Click Save.
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EditTips

  • These tips work in Excel 2003 and may also work in earlier versions of Excel.
    1. Select cells B2 to B4.

EditThings You'll Need

  • A computer with Windows/Mac OSX OS
  • Microsoft Excel

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Article Info

Categories: Microsoft Excel

Recent edits by: Rex2002, Rrick, Jamie

In other languages:

Deutsch: Wie man eine Tabelle in Excel erstellt, Español: Cómo hacer una hoja de cálculo de Excel, Français: Comment créer une feuille de calcul dans Excel, Italiano: Come Fare un Foglio di Lavoro su Excel, Português: Como Criar Planilhas no Excel, Русский: создать таблицу в Excel

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,026,735 times.

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