What is column menu in Google Sheets?
Column Menu refers to Google Sheets Tables: structured ranges with headers, column types, filters, and table formatting. Tables behave more like lightweight databases than plain rectangular ranges.
When to use it
Use Sheets Tables when a dataset needs consistent headers, typed columns, and built-in table actions.
When to skip it
Skip converting to a table when a one-off range only needs a quick filter, not ongoing table features.
Better Sheets resources
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Read post →Related terms
filters in Google Sheets
Filtering hides rows that do not match criteria without deleting data. The filter toolbar on a header row is the fastest UI path. FILTER and QUERY formulas build dynamic views that update when source data changes, which suits dashboards and reporting tabs.
Read guide →Named range
A named range gives a block of cells a readable label like Revenue or ValidStatuses instead of only B2:B500. Define names from Data > Named ranges. Formulas, charts, pivot tables, and validation rules can reference the name, which makes models easier to audit and safer when rows shift inside the named block.
Read guide →cell formatting
Cell formatting controls how values display without necessarily changing the stored value underneath. Currency, percent, date, and plain text formats keep reports readable and prevent Sheets from auto-converting IDs into dates. Good formatting is the difference between a sheet leadership trusts and one they argue with.
Read guide →Done reading about column menu?
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