7 Google Sheets Books That Elevate Your Spreadsheet Skills

Trusted insights from Robert G. Pascall, Barrie Roberts, and Kevin Wilson to master Google Sheets effectively

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if you could unlock Google Sheets’ full potential without years of trial and error? Many users underestimate how far a solid book can take their spreadsheet skills—from simplifying data analysis to automating tedious tasks. As Google Sheets becomes the backbone of workflows across industries, knowing the right resources is crucial.

Renowned productivity author Robert G. Pascall explains how mastering formulas and pivot tables transformed his approach to data management. Barrie Roberts, a longtime educator in Google Workspace, shares how scripting automation changed his clients' efficiency overnight. Meanwhile, Kevin Wilson’s clear, step-by-step guides help beginners and professionals alike build confidence and proficiency.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, and learning goals might consider creating a personalized Google Sheets book that builds on these insights. This approach allows you to focus on the exact features and techniques that matter most to your work or projects.

Best for boosting spreadsheet productivity
Robert G. Pascall is a respected digital productivity expert known for clarifying complex tech topics. His passion for making technology accessible led him to write this handbook, guiding you to streamline Google Sheets usage and improve efficiency. Pascall’s approachable style and deep understanding make this book an excellent resource for those wanting to harness the full power of spreadsheets without feeling overwhelmed.
2024·138 pages·Google Sheets, Google, Spreadsheet Management, Data Analysis, Productivity

Robert G. Pascall leverages his deep expertise in digital productivity to demystify Google Sheets for beginners struggling with data overload. You’ll learn how to navigate the interface, apply essential formulas, and organize data for clarity, with chapters dedicated to pivot tables, macros, and collaborative workflows. The book’s hands-on examples make complex tasks approachable, such as automating repetitive processes and troubleshooting common errors. If you're aiming to boost your spreadsheet efficiency without getting bogged down in jargon, this guide offers straightforward methods to help you unlock Google Sheets’ capabilities.

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Best for automating tasks with scripting
Barrie Roberts, teaching since 2006 and seasoned author on Google Workspace apps, wrote this book to demystify Google Apps Script for beginners. His approachable, step-by-step method helps you move from no-code to confidently automating Google Sheets and Forms, reflecting years of experience in making these powerful tools accessible and practical for everyday users.

Unlike most Google Sheets books that focus on manual spreadsheet techniques, Barrie Roberts delves into the automation potential of Google Apps Script to transform how you interact with Sheets and Forms. He guides you from absolute beginner concepts like variables and loops through to advanced scripting for dynamic form creation and data validation. You’ll learn practical scripting skills, such as manipulating the Spreadsheet and Range classes, setting triggers, and crafting interactive quizzes. This book suits anyone eager to automate repetitive tasks or enhance data workflows, particularly those new to coding who want clear, progressive instruction without jargon.

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Best for personal mastery plans
This AI-created book on Google Sheets is tailored to your skill level and specific goals. You share your background and which features or techniques you want to focus on, and the book is written to match exactly your learning needs. This personalized approach makes mastering Google Sheets more efficient by concentrating on what you find most relevant and useful, avoiding generic content overload.
2025·50-300 pages·Google Sheets, Spreadsheet Basics, Data Analysis, Formulas, Automation

This personalized book explores custom techniques to master Google Sheets tailored to your unique background and goals. It covers essential functions, data manipulation, and automation workflows that match your specific interests, helping you focus on what matters most to your projects. The content reveals how to effectively organize, analyze, and visualize data in ways aligned with your experience and desired outcomes. By providing a tailored pathway through Google Sheets’ rich features, this book examines advanced formulas, scripting options, and productivity tips that fit your learning pace and objectives. This approach ensures you gain practical mastery without wading through unnecessary material, making your learning journey efficient and engaging.

Tailored Book
Automation Techniques
3,000+ Books Created
Best for mastering spreadsheet functions
Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006 and authored multiple books on Google Workspace apps and Google Apps Script. His goal with this book is to guide you from beginner to confident user by providing step-by-step instructions and practical examples that demystify Google Sheets functions and empower you to handle data challenges effectively.
2020·151 pages·Google Sheets, Google, Spreadsheet Skills, Data Analysis, Google Sheets Functions

Barrie Roberts, a seasoned educator since 2006, brings his extensive experience with Google Workspace apps into this focused guide on Google Sheets functions. You’ll move beyond basics like SUM and AVERAGE to master powerful tools such as VLOOKUP, FILTER, and QUERY, with each function unpacked through practical, example-driven chapters. The book also includes a fresh chapter on parsing complex formulas, helping you break down and understand even the most daunting calculations. If you want to build solid skills in spreadsheet functions without wading through jargon, this book offers clear, methodical guidance tailored for all skill levels.

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Best for newcomers learning foundational skills
Barrie Roberts, an educator who has been teaching since 2006 and authored multiple books on Google Workspace apps and scripting, wrote this guide to help newcomers confidently navigate Google Sheets. His deep experience ensures the book covers essential features clearly, from basic formatting to advanced data tools, making it a reliable resource for gaining practical spreadsheet skills.
2020·212 pages·Google Sheets, Google, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps G Suite, Data Formatting

When Barrie Roberts set out to write this guide, his long experience teaching since 2006 shaped a clear goal: to demystify Google Sheets for beginners and help them gain confidence using the app. You’ll learn how to navigate the interface, master formulas and functions, and apply features like conditional formatting, data validation, and creating dynamic timelines. The book offers detailed chapters on organizing data with filters and sorting, as well as collaborating through sharing and comments. If you’re new to Google Sheets and want a practical, approachable introduction with up-to-date examples, this book lays a solid foundation without overwhelming you.

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Best for integrating Google Sheets with apps
Mary Stevens is an accomplished author known for her expertise in technology and software applications. With a focus on practical guides, she has helped countless users navigate complex digital tools. Her clear, accessible writing style makes technology approachable for users of all levels, and this book reflects her commitment to simplifying Google’s productivity apps for everyday use.
2020·173 pages·Google Sheets, Google Apps (G Suite), Google, Google Apps, Collaboration

Drawing from her extensive experience in technology writing, Mary Stevens offers a clear walkthrough of Google's suite of productivity tools tailored for everyday users. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendars, and Photos, with practical tips on how to configure and integrate these apps effectively. The book breaks down complex features into approachable segments, such as managing shared files in Drive or automating tasks in Sheets, making it especially useful if you want to streamline your workflow. This guide suits small business owners, educators, and anyone aiming to master Google’s collaborative ecosystem without getting overwhelmed.

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Best for 30-day skill growth
This AI-created book on Google Sheets is crafted based on your current skills and specific goals. By focusing on a 30-day plan, it helps you steadily improve your proficiency without feeling overwhelmed. Because it matches your background and interests, you learn exactly what you need to grow your spreadsheet capabilities quickly and confidently. This personalized approach makes mastering Google Sheets both practical and motivating.
2025·50-300 pages·Google Sheets, Formulas, Pivot Tables, Data Analysis, Automation

This tailored book explores a focused 30-day action plan designed to efficiently elevate your Google Sheets proficiency. It covers essential features like formulas, pivot tables, data visualization, and automation, weaving them into a personalized learning journey that matches your background and goals. The book reveals practical applications of complex concepts, emphasizing hands-on practice and gradual skill-building, which keeps learning both engaging and effective. By tailoring content specifically to your interests and current experience, this book transforms typical Google Sheets study into a streamlined experience. It connects expert insights with your unique needs, providing a clear path to confidently manage, analyze, and automate your spreadsheet tasks within a month.

Tailored Guide
Workflow Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for hands-on spreadsheet basics
Kevin Wilson is a best-selling technology author, lecturer, and computer trainer known for his expertise in simplifying complex tech topics for beginners. His clear, accessible approach drives this step-by-step guide to Google Sheets, designed to help you confidently navigate and utilize the software’s features. Wilson’s background in teaching complex tools to novices ensures that this book covers everything from basic formatting to collaboration, making it a reliable companion as you build your spreadsheet skills.
2021·181 pages·Google Sheets, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Formulas, Functions

Drawing from his extensive experience as a technology author and computer trainer, Kevin Wilson developed this guide to demystify Google Sheets for users at all levels. You’ll learn how to navigate the interface, format and manipulate data, use formulas and functions, and leverage collaboration tools, all illustrated with clear screenshots and video demos. Chapters cover practical tasks like creating pivot tables, applying conditional formatting, and sharing spreadsheets effectively, making it a solid resource if you want to build reliable spreadsheet skills. This book works best if you’re seeking a straightforward, hands-on introduction rather than advanced analytics techniques.

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Best for building core spreadsheet confidence
Kevin Wilson is a best-selling technology author, lecturer, and computer trainer known for his clear and accessible writing style. With years of experience in teaching technology, he has helped countless individuals master various software applications, including Google Sheets. His expertise in technology education makes him a trusted source for learning essential digital skills, driving the creation of this guide to help you confidently navigate and utilize Google Sheets.
2021·182 pages·Google Sheets, Spreadsheet Basics, Data Analysis, Formulas, Pivot Tables

Drawing from years of experience as a technology author and trainer, Kevin Wilson crafted this guide to demystify Google Sheets for users at all levels. You’ll learn how to navigate menus, format text, insert formulas, create pivot tables, and collaborate with others, all through clear instructions paired with helpful visuals and video demos. The book breaks down complex tasks like using goalseek and adding validation rules into manageable steps, making it ideal if you're aiming to build confidence and efficiency with spreadsheets. Whether you're a student, professional, or hobbyist, this book equips you with foundational skills to harness Google Sheets effectively.

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Conclusion

Across these seven books, you’ll find themes of clarity, practical application, and steady skill building. Whether you want to master basic functions, dive into scripting automation, or integrate Google Sheets with other Google Apps, these works cover the spectrum.

If you’re just starting or feeling overwhelmed, begin with Barrie Roberts' "Beginner's Guide to Google Sheets" and "Google Sheets Fundamentals" by Kevin Wilson for solid foundations. For immediate productivity gains, pair "Mastering Google Sheets" with Roberts' scripting guide to automate repetitive tasks.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Google Sheets book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and transform how you work with data.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Beginner's Guide to Google Sheets" by Barrie Roberts or Kevin Wilson's "Google Sheets Fundamentals." Both offer clear, practical introductions tailored for newcomers, helping you build essential skills without feeling lost.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Google Sheets?

Not at all. Several titles, like "Beginner's Guide to Google Sheets" and "Google Sheets Fundamentals," are designed specifically for beginners, guiding you step-by-step through basics and building confidence.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like Roberts' and Wilson's books, then explore "Google Sheet Functions" to deepen formula skills. Afterward, "Mastering Google Sheets" and the Apps Script guide can enhance productivity and automation.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For overall mastery, multiple books help, but if you want specific skills, like scripting, focus on the "Beginner's Guide to Google Apps Script". Choose what fits your needs.

Which books focus more on practical application versus theory?

All these books emphasize practical skills, but "Mastering Google Sheets" and "Google Sheet Functions" provide hands-on examples and workflows, while the Apps Script guide focuses on real automation projects.

Can personalized Google Sheets books complement these expert guides?

Yes! While these books offer solid frameworks, personalized books tailor content to your experience and goals, bridging expert knowledge with your unique needs. Explore creating your own Google Sheets book for targeted learning.

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