Google Sheets Course And Certification

What is Google Sheets?

Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application program used to create and edit documents online while sharing and collaborating with other users in real-time. 

Google Sheets has been included in web-based Google Docs office suite offered by Google within it's Google Drive combo service. 

The service provided by Google also includes Google Slides, Google Docs and a word processor and presentation program respectively. 

Google Sheets is made available as a web application, and also as a mobile app for Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows, desktop application on Google's Chrome OS.

Google sheets application is also compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats. The application allows the owner/user to create and edit files online while collaborating and working with other users in real-time. 

Works that are being edited are tracked by users with the help of a revision history presenting changes. New Feature Updates are introduced using machine learning, including "Explore", offering answers supported tongue questions during a spreadsheet.

Whether you’re just knowing about spreadsheet for the first time or you are an Excel veteran looking for a better way to collaborate, you can still get the most out of Google Sheets. We have 3 ways to create a new spreadsheet in Google Sheets:

First: Click the red "NEW" button on your your Google Drive dashboard and select "Google Sheets"

Second: Open the menu from within a spreadsheet and select "File > New Spreadsheet"

Third: Click "Blank" or select a template on the Google Sheets homepage. A new blank spreadsheet will be created(or a pre-populated template if you choose one of those).

The Google Sheets interface should remind you of a minimum of one other spreadsheet app you’ve seen before, with familiar text editing icons and tabs for extra sheets.

Features and Benefits of Google Sheets: 

1. Real-Time Editing

One of the few key features of Google Sheets is that it accomodates collaborative editing of spreadsheets. Instead of emailing one document to multiple people, a single document can be opened and edited by multiple users simultaneously. The users can also be able to see every change made by other collaborators, and all the changes made are automatically saved to Google servers.

Google Sheets also have a sidebar chat feature that allows collaborators to discuss and comment on edits in real-time and make recommendations on certain changes. Any changes that is made by the collaborators can be tracked using the Revision History feature. An editor also can review and correct past edits and also revert any unwanted changes.

2. Offline Editing

Google Sheets can also be used for offline editing, and users can edit the spreadsheet offline either on desktop or mobile apps. On the desktop, users got to use the Chrome browser and install the “Google Docs Offline” Chrome extension to enable offline editing for Google Sheets and other Google applications. 

3. Supports Various File Formats

Google Sheets has the ability to support multiple spreadsheet file formats and different file types. The user can save, edit, open or export spreadsheets and document files into Google Sheets. Listed below are some of the formats that can be viewed and converted to Google Sheets:

.xlsx

.xls

.xlsm

.xlt

.xltx

.xltxm

.ods

.csv

.tsv

4. Explore

The Explore feature in Google Sheets was introduced first in September 2016, and it uses machine learning to bring additional functionalities. This important feature provides lot of information based on the data added to the spreadsheet, and it can auto-update by itself depending on the data selected .

5. Integration with other Google products

Google Sheets has the potential and may be integrated with other Google products like Google Form, Google Finance, Google Translate, and Google Drawings.

Google Sheets offers a wide range of features, making it a powerful tool for data management, collaboration, and analysis. Here are some key features:

6. Collaboration & Sharing

The most quick benefit from the use of Sheets is in the ability to collaborate in completely new ways.

• Real-time Collaboration – Multiple users can edit a sheet simultaneously.
• Commenting & Mentions – Users can leave comments and tag others for feedback.
• Version History – Tracks changes and allows users to revert to previous versions.
• Sharing & Permissions – Set access levels (view, comment, edit) for different users.

7. Data Entry & Formatting

• Cell Formatting – Change fonts, colors, borders, and backgrounds.
• Conditional Formatting – Automatically format cells based on rules (e.g., color-code data).
• Data Validation – Restrict data input to specific values (e.g., dropdown lists).
• Find & Replace – Quickly locate and modify data.

8. Formulas & Functions

• Built-in Functions – Supports over 400 functions (e.g., SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH).
• Array Formulas – Perform calculations on entire ranges of data at once.
• Custom Formulas – Use Google Apps Script to create custom functions.

9. Data Analysis & Visualization

• Pivot Tables – Summarize and analyze large datasets.
• Charts & Graphs – Create bar, line, pie, and other charts.
• Slicer Filters – Interactive filters to analyze data dynamically.
• Exploration & Insights – Google AI suggests insights and trends automatically.

10. Automation & Scripting

• Google Apps Script – Automate tasks with JavaScript-based scripting.
• Macros – Record and repeat repetitive actions.
• Triggers – Automate functions based on time or data changes.

11. Integration & Connectivity

• Google Drive Integration – Auto-save and access sheets from anywhere.
• Google Forms Integration – Collect form responses directly in Sheets.
• Third-party Add-ons – Extend functionality with additional tools.
• API Access – Connect Sheets with other apps via Google Sheets API.

12. Import & Export

• Supports Multiple Formats – Import/export CSV, Excel (XLSX), PDF, and more.
• Data Importing – Pull data from other Google Sheets, databases, or external sources.
• Web Scraping – Use IMPORTHTML, IMPORTXML, or GOOGLEFINANCE to fetch live data.

13. Security & Accessibility

• Offline Mode – Work on Sheets without an internet connection.
• Encryption & Data Protection – Secure files with Google security standards.
• Access Controls – Restrict editing, downloading, or sharing as needed.

Key Differences Between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel

Similarities Between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel

Which One Should You Use?

• Use Google Sheets if you need real-time collaboration, flexibility, cloud accessibility, and free usage for basic tasks.
• Use Excel if you work with large datasets, need advanced analytics, automation (VBA), or complex calculations.

Why Study Google Sheets

1. Gain essential Google Sheets knowledge and skills.

2. Become a better spreadsheet manager.

3. Job opportunities and career advancement.

4. Enrich your CV and attract better positions.

5. Increase your earning potential.

Google Sheets Course Outline 

Google Sheets - Introduction

Google Sheets - All About Google Drive

Google Sheets - Getting Started with Google Drive

Google Sheets - Creating Google Docs

Google Sheets - Uploading Files to Google Drive

Google Sheets - Managing Your Files

Google Sheets - Sharing and Collaborating

Google Sheets - Converting and Printing Docs

Google Sheets - Getting Started with Google Sheets

Google Sheets - Modifying Columns, Rows, and Cells

Google Sheets - Formatting Cells

Google Sheets - Working with Multiple Sheets

Google Sheets - Creating Simple Formulas

Google Sheets - Creating Complex Formulas

Google Sheets - Types of Cell References

Google Sheets - Working with Functions

Google Sheets - Sorting and Filtering Data

Google Sheets - Understanding the New Google Sheets

Google Sheets - Understanding Number Formats

Google Sheets - Video Lectures

Google Sheets - Exams and Certification