Understanding Sheet Types in Google Spreadsheet Templates

Overview

Google Spreadsheet templates in the Assisty platform can contain different types of sheets, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding these sheet types will help you make the most of your spreadsheets and know what to expect from each tab.

Sheet Types

1. Report Sheets

Report sheets are dynamically populated with data from your system and are updated on a regular schedule.

Key Characteristics:

- Automatic Data Population: Data is fetched from your system using predefined queries
- Scheduled Updates: Data refreshes automatically according to a set schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Data Source: Connected to your database or other data sources
- Identification: Usually labeled with "Report" in the sheet name or description

How Report Sheets Work:

The template defines a query that retrieves specific data
The system runs this query on a scheduled basis
The sheet is automatically updated with fresh data
Previous data may be overwritten during updates

Best Practices:

- Avoid making manual changes to report sheets as they may be overwritten
- Use report sheets as data sources for your analysis in custom sheets
- Check the update schedule in the spreadsheet details to know when data will refresh

2. Custom Sheets

Custom sheets contain formulas, calculations, and custom layouts that typically reference data from report sheets or provide a place for manual input.

Key Characteristics:

- Formula-Based: Often contains formulas that reference data from report sheets
- Stable Structure: Not typically overwritten during data updates
- Customizable: Can be modified and extended by users
- Visualization: May include charts, graphs, and summary tables

Common Uses:

- Summary dashboards that present key metrics
- Analysis worksheets that transform raw data
- Input forms for manual data entry
- Calculation sheets that perform specific business logic

Best Practices:

- Feel free to customize these sheets to meet your specific needs
- When referencing report sheets, use robust cell references that won't break if columns are added
- Document any significant changes you make to help other users

3. Input Sheets

A special type of custom sheet specifically designed for user input.

Key Characteristics:

- Structured Input Areas: Clearly marked cells where users should enter data
- Validation Rules: May include data validation to ensure correct input
- Instructions: Often contains guidance on how to enter data properly
- Connected: Data entered may be used by formulas in other sheets

Best Practices:

- Follow any instructions provided in the sheet
- Respect validation rules and input formats
- Do not modify the structure unless you're sure of the impact

How Sheet Types Work Together

In a well-designed template, these sheet types work together to create a powerful analytical tool:

Report Sheets provide the raw data automatically
Custom Sheets transform and analyze that data
Input Sheets allow for manual data entry to complement automatic data

Example Flow:

- A "Sales Data" report sheet automatically pulls in transaction data
- A "Sales Analysis" custom sheet uses formulas to calculate metrics like conversion rates and average order value
- A "Goals" input sheet allows you to enter targets
- A "Performance Dashboard" custom sheet compares actual results from the report sheet against goals from the input sheet

Identifying Sheet Types

You can identify the type of sheet in several ways:

Sheet Name: Often includes indicators like "Report" or "Input"
Template Details: The template detail page lists all sheets with their types
Sheet Description: May include information about the sheet type
Visual Cues: Report sheets often have a consistent, database-like structure

Customization Boundaries

Understanding what you can safely modify is important:

Sheet Type	Safe to Modify Data	Safe to Add Formulas	Safe to Change Structure
Report	No (will be overwritten)	No	No
Custom	Yes	Yes	Usually yes, but with caution
Input	Yes (in designated areas)	No	No

Conclusion

Each sheet type in your Google Spreadsheet templates serves a specific purpose in the overall functionality of the spreadsheet. By understanding these different types, you can better utilize your spreadsheets while avoiding unintended disruptions to automated features.

Updated on: 24/03/2025