Basetao Spreadsheet for Dummies: The Absolute Beginner Guide

What You Need Before You Start

You need three things: a free Google account, a computer or tablet with internet, and about ten minutes of uninterrupted time. That is it. No Excel license. No coding skills. No math beyond basic addition.

If you are on a phone, the process works but the screen is small. For your first setup, use a laptop or tablet. Once the sheet is ready, you can update it from your phone easily.

Step 1: Open Google Sheets

Go to sheets.google.com in your browser. Sign in with your Google account. Click the big plus button that says Blank. A new empty spreadsheet opens. This is your canvas.

Step 2: Copy These Exact Column Headers

Click cell A1. Type Order Number. Click cell B1. Type Item Name. Click cell C1. Type Price. Click cell D1. Type Status. Click cell E1. Type Notes.

These five columns handle 90 percent of beginner tracking needs. Do not add more yet. Simplicity wins when you are learning.

Step 3: Add Your First Order

Click cell A2. Type BTS-001. This is your first order number. Every future order gets a new number: BTS-002, BTS-003, and so on. Click B2 and type what you bought, like Black Hoodie. Click C2 and type the price, like 150. Click D2 and type Ordered. Click E2 and type the seller name or any reminder.

That is it. You have tracked your first order. Every time you buy something new, add a new row. Every time something changes, update the Status cell.

Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions