google sheets

How To Make Subcategories In Google Sheets

Jump to

    How to Create Subcategories in Google Sheets

    Creating subcategories in Google Sheets allows you to organize data more efficiently. This process helps in maintaining a structured and systematic dataset.

    In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make subcategories, streamlining your workflow and enhancing data visualization.

    Additionally, we'll explore why Sourcetable might be a better alternative to Google Sheets. As an AI-first spreadsheet, Sourcetable helps users quickly become advanced spreadsheet users by simplifying tasks like answering questions, building formulas and queries, and automating workflows.

    How to Make Subcategories in Google Sheets

    Setting Up Main Categories and Subcategories

    To organize your data with subcategories in Google Sheets, use one column for main categories and a second column for subcategories. Example main categories include UTILITIES, GROCERIES, DEBT, TRANSPORTATION, HYGIENE, MEDICAL, SELF_CARE, UNNECESSARY, CAT, and ENTERTAINMENT. Under UTILITIES, subcategories can be Rent, Electric, Laundry, Renter's insurance, Bed, and Google One.

    Using Dropdown Lists

    Subcategories can be efficiently managed using dropdown lists. This setup allows you to select main categories in one column and specify corresponding subcategories in another. This method aids in the streamlined organization of your data.

    Method 1: Using the INDIRECT() Formula

    The INDIRECT() formula can dynamically reference ranges based on main category selection. This makes it easier to manage subcategories without manually adjusting cell references. This method maintains flexibility but requires careful setup.

    Method 2: Using Google Scripts

    Google Scripts offer advanced functionality for managing categories and subcategories. This method simplifies the addition of new subcategories and main categories, removing the need for multiple columns with the INDIRECT() formula. For users comfortable with scripting, this method provides greater efficiency and scalability.

    Generating Graphs

    To visualize your data, generate graphs using the main categories and subcategories. Select your main category in one column and specify your subcategory in the second column. This setup enables detailed and hierarchical data visualization.

    Implementing in a Budget

    If you want to create subcategories under main categories for a budget in Google Sheets, follow the steps mentioned. This setup allows you to select a main category and specify subcategories, making your budget data more organized and easier to analyze.

    google sheets

    Use Cases Unlocked by Knowing How to Make Subcategories in Google Sheets

    1. Enhanced Financial Tracking

    Utilizing subcategories such as Rent, Electric, and Laundry under the main category of UTILITIES enables precise financial tracking. This allows individuals to analyze their spending habits more accurately, ensuring better financial management and planning.

    2. Detailed Expense Analysis

    Creating subcategories helps in generating detailed expense reports. By segregating main categories like GROCERIES and subcategories such as Fruits, Vegetables, and Dairy, users can visualize spending patterns and identify areas to cut costs.

    3. Improved Budgeting

    Subcategories make budgeting more effective. Users can allocate budgeted amounts to specific subcategories, making it easier to adhere to financial plans and monitor compliance.

    4. Streamlined Data Organization

    Using separate columns for main categories and subcategories ensures data is well-organized. This structure simplifies data sorting and filtering, enhancing overall data management capabilities in Google Sheets.

    5. Efficient Graph Generation

    Subcategories enable detailed and insightful graphs. By selecting main categories and corresponding subcategories, users can create visual representations that highlight spending trends and irregularities, aiding in better decision-making.

    6. Comprehensive Reporting

    With subcategories, generating comprehensive financial reports becomes straightforward. Users can easily compile reports that detail expenses down to the subcategory level, providing a thorough view of financial activities.

    7. Advanced Data Validation

    Incorporating tags and data validation with subcategories further enhances data management. This organization method allows multiple tags per transaction, offering a multidimensional view of financial data for advanced analysis.

    8. Personalized Financial Insights

    Subcategorizing data provides personalized financial insights. For example, differentiating between necessary and unnecessary expenses helps in identifying potential savings, promoting more informed financial decisions.

    Comparing Google Sheets and Sourcetable

    Google Sheets is a widely-used spreadsheet tool offering basic data organization and manipulation functionalities. It's easy to use but often requires extensive manual input and formula knowledge.

    Sourcetable is an AI-first spreadsheet designed for efficiency. It features an AI assistant that can write complex formulas and SQL queries, removing the need for advanced technical skills.

    One of the advantages of Sourcetable over Google Sheets is its integration capability. With connections to over five hundred data sources, Sourcetable allows users to easily search and ask questions about their data, streamlining the decision-making process.

    When considering the task of creating subcategories, Sourcetable excels. While Google Sheets might require manual setup and formula expertise, Sourcetable's AI assistant simplifies the process, making sophisticated tasks accessible to anyone.

    sourcetable

    How to Make Subcategories in Sourcetable

    To create subcategories in Sourcetable, you can utilize the Sourcetable AI assistant. This tool simplifies complex spreadsheet tasks, including the creation of subcategories, making it easy for users of all skill levels.

    google sheets

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I organize my data with main categories and subcategories in Google Sheets?

    Use one column for the main categories and a second column for the subcategories. This structure helps in generating graphs and organizing data more effectively.

    What are some example main categories I could use?

    Example main categories include UTILITIES, GROCERIES, DEBT, TRANSPORTATION, HYGIENE, MEDICAL, SELF_CARE, UNNECESSARY, CAT, ENTERTAINMENT.

    How can I create a dropdown list for subcategories in Google Sheets?

    First, create a column with all of the primary categories and save this column as a named range titled 'Categories'. Then create a new named range for each parent category and use the INDIRECT() function to create a dropdown list for subcategories based on the selected primary category.

    How can I filter data by subcategory in Google Sheets?

    Use the 'Filter by condition' option to filter by subcategory. You can choose from the provided conditions or write your own custom formulas.

    What are some example subcategories under UTILITIES?

    Example subcategories under UTILITIES include Rent, Electric, Laundry, Renter's insurance, Bed, and Google One.

    How can I create graphs with main categories and subcategories in Google Sheets?

    Select the main category in one column and specify the subcategory in the second column. This structure enables you to generate detailed graphs based on both main categories and subcategories.

    Conclusion

    Creating subcategories in Google Sheets can streamline your data organization and analysis process. However, the process can be time-consuming and complex without the right tools.

    Sourcetable offers a robust solution by enabling real-time access to your data and integrating seamlessly with third-party tools. This spreadsheet tool leverages AI to automate tasks and answer questions about your data effortlessly.

    If you're looking to optimize your data management and simplify your workflow, try Sourcetable today.

    Try Sourcetable

    Recommended Guides



    Try Sourcetable For A Smarter Spreadsheet Experience

    Sourcetable makes it easy to do anything you want in a spreadsheet using AI. No Excel skills required. Get unlimited access free for 14 days.


    Try out Sourcetable
    Drop CSV