Microsoft Excel: Rules for designing Excel workbooks

Q. Is there a list of standard Excel design rules we should be following as we create new Excel worksheets?

A. By following a common set of spreadsheet design rules, companies can produce more consistent workbooks that may be easier to review, edit, and use by others in their organizations:

• Documentation.
• Table of contents.
• Print macro buttons.
• Avoid embedded assumptions.
• Well-organized worksheet assumptions.
• Assumptions in yellow cells.
• Name assumption cells.
• Error-checking formulas.
• Organize your template by worksheets.
• Simplify complex calculations.
• Explanations.
• Consistent look and feel.
• Add File Properties.
• Cross-footing and error-checking formulas.
• Worksheet protection.