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