Much of the most helpful work you can do happens before you start collecting data

• Think through the structure of your worksheet​
• Develop conventions​ for naming variables and columns -- be consistent
• Set column formats and input validation​ before you start entering data

​Spreadsheets can handle a lot of complexity, but complexity is not necessary for a good spreadsheet. Instead, try to keep it simple:

• Use names that are descriptive, yet concise
• Put only one type of information in each cell
• Be careful how you handle dates

When you think beyond a single spreadsheet, the best things you can do for yourself are to try to enforce transparency and consistency

• Use a separate file in the same folder to document units, notes, processing, and other details needed to understand your data​
• Develop a standard way for how you name different files in project folders, and how you keep track of file versions