5 Simple Ways: How to Open a Google Sheets Spreadsheet

If you've ever wondered about the easiest way to open up a Google Sheets document, you're not alone. Whether you're managing projects, tracking expenses, or organizing your workflow, knowing how to open a Google Sheets spreadsheet efficiently can save you time and stress. Here, we're covering five simple ways on how to open a Google Sheets spreadsheet, so you'll always have quick access no matter the situation.

How to Open a Google Sheets Spreadsheet

1. Start Fresh with a Blank Google Sheet

The fastest way to open a blank Google Sheet is through Google Drive. Here's how:

1. Go to Google Drive.
2. Click the New button in the top-left corner.
3. Select Google Sheets from the dropdown menu.

That’s it! A brand-new spreadsheet will instantly load, ready for you to start working. Easy, right?

2. Open an Existing Google Sheet from Your Drive

Already have spreadsheets saved? You can access them easily:

1. Open your Google Drive.
2. Browse through your files or search for the specific sheet by name.
3. Double-click the file to open it.

This method works whether it's a document you created or one someone shared with you. Keep your Drive organized so you can find what you need quickly.

3. Check the “Shared with Me” Section

If someone recently shared a Google Sheet with you but you can't find it, don’t worry. Google Drive has a Shared with Me section:

1. Head to Google Drive.
2. On the left-hand menu, click Shared with Me.

This will display all files others have shared with you. Simply double-click the one you’re looking for, and it’ll open instantly.

Pro tip: If the file is private or sensitive, it's best to be mindful of who gave you access before working on it.

4. Use the Google Sheets Homepage

Not in Google Drive? No problem. You can head straight to the Google Sheets homepage for quick access:

1. Open your web browser.
2. Type sheets.google.com into the address bar and hit enter.

From there, you’ll see a familiar interface. You can either click the + (plus) sign to create a new sheet or select one from your recent files. Think of this as a one-stop shop for all your spreadsheet needs.

5. Open a Google Sheet from a Shared Link

Sometimes, you’ll receive a Google Sheets link—whether through email, Messenger, or even a casual group chat. Opening it is easy:

1. Click the link that was sent to you.
2. The spreadsheet will immediately open in your browser.

If it’s a template someone shared, you might see a prompt to Make a Copy before working on it. This is common with shared sheets so the original file stays intact. Just click the blue Make a Copy button, and a copy will save to your Google Drive.

Ready to open your first template? Here is a free Google Sheets Brain Dump Tracker. If you are not sure how to do a Brain Dump, check out this blog post that explains how a brain dump works.

If the file opens as “View Only,” here’s what to do:

1. Select File from the top menu.
2. Click Make a Copy.
3. Rename the file and choose the folder where you want to save it.

Now you’ve got your own editable version, ready to customize however you like! Want to know what kind of spreadsheets that will be helpful in your business? Check out these 25 spreadsheets! I suggest starting with the Second Brain (I've rebranded this to be called a Business Dashboard). You can link every other spreadsheet you create to it or just add tabs to your Business Dashboard creating a super versatile, and free, business organization suite!

Check out the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to open a Google Sheets spreadsheet:

You're Ready For Your First Spreadsheet!

There you have it—five super-simple ways to open a Google Sheets spreadsheet. Whether you’re starting fresh or accessing a shared file, you’ve got multiple options to make it happen.

Looking to sharpen your Google Sheets skills even further? Keep following along for more tips and tricks to streamline your workflows and stay organized. Have questions or requests for future how-tos? Join the Facebook Group and leave a comment about what you'd love to see!