Open and set up the workbook

Step 1 · Download and open the practice roster

1. Download roster_module_2_3.csv from the course datasets.
2. Go to sheets.new in a new browser tab. A blank Google Sheet opens.
3. Choose File › Import › Upload, drop the CSV in, and pick “Replace current sheet.”
4. Click Import data. You now have an 80-row roster open.

Step 2 · Freeze the header row and the first column

Frozen panes are the difference between a usable workbook and a frustrating one. You always need to see the column headers and the row identifier.

1. View › Freeze › 1 row. Row 1 (the header) stays put as you scroll down.
2. View › Freeze › 1 column. Column A (the worker ID) stays put as you scroll right.

Confirm by scrolling down and right. Row 1 and column A should remain visible.

Step 3 · Set zoom and gridlines

1. View › Zoom › 100%. Anything smaller hides dirt.
2. View › Show › Gridlines. Confirm gridlines are on.
3. If the workbook came in with hidden gridlines or color-coded fills, leave them for now. Module 5 will teach you to strip them.

Step 4 · Count the obvious problems

Without writing a single formula, look at the first 20 rows and write down what you see. Add a note column at the right edge of the sheet (column J) and mark anything that looks wrong.

You should find at least:

• Three rows where the name has a leading or trailing space.
• Two rows where a phone number is empty or contains (000) -.
• Several rows where the full address sits in one cell.
• One or two rows that look like duplicates of another row.

You are not fixing anything yet. You are training your eye.