Create a New Blank Workbook in Excel and Google Sheets

Starting fresh with a new blank workbook is the first step in any spreadsheet project. Whether you use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, creating one is quick and easy. In this guide, I’ll walk you through different ways to open a blank workbook — using menus, shortcuts, or even a simple web trick.

Creating a Blank Workbook in Microsoft Excel

Let’s start with Excel. It offers more than one way to create a new workbook. You can do it through the menu or use a simple keyboard shortcut.

1. Using the Menu

  • Open Microsoft Excel.
  • If a file is already open, click the File tab in the top-left corner.
  • Select New from the left-hand menu.
  • Click Blank Workbook.

This will open a brand-new sheet, ready for you to start entering data.

💡 Tip: You can also pin “Blank Workbook” as your default start template to save time each time you open Excel.

2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Windows: Press Ctrl + N
  • Mac: Press Command + N

This is the fastest way to create a new workbook. Just one shortcut and you’re ready to work!

Creating a Blank Spreadsheet in Google Sheets

If you prefer working online, Google Sheets makes creating a blank spreadsheet even easier. You can do it directly from the Sheets website, from Google Drive, or by using a neat browser shortcut.

1. Through the Google Sheets Website

Your new sheet will open instantly in a new tab.

2. From Google Drive

  • Visit drive.google.com.
  • Click the + New button on the left-hand side.
  • Select Google Sheets from the drop-down list.

This is especially useful if you want to keep your sheet organized within a specific Google Drive folder.

3. Using a Browser Shortcut

  • Open your web browser.
  • Type sheets.new in the address bar.
  • Press Enter.

Instantly, a fresh blank spreadsheet will open. It’s a handy shortcut that works on any device with internet access.

🚀 Quick Hack: You can also use docs.new for Google Docs and slides.new for Google Slides. Try it!

Why Learn These Methods?

Knowing these shortcuts and menu options can save you valuable time, especially if you create multiple sheets daily. Whether you’re tracking expenses, analyzing data, or managing projects — starting with a blank workbook is your first step toward productivity.

5 FAQs About Creating a New Blank Workbook

1. What is the fastest way to create a new workbook?

The fastest method is using keyboard shortcuts — press Ctrl + N on Windows or Cmd + N on Mac.

2. Can I create multiple blank workbooks at once?

Yes. You can open as many new workbooks as you need using shortcuts or by repeating the menu steps.

3. Do these steps work in older versions of Excel?

Yes, the process is almost the same in Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

4. Can I create a blank sheet offline in Google Sheets?

Yes, if you enable offline mode in Google Drive, you can create and edit Sheets even without an internet connection.

5. What if the “Blank Workbook” option doesn’t appear?

You can still use the shortcut Ctrl + N or Cmd + N to create a new workbook instantly.

Conclusion

Creating a new blank workbook in Excel or Google Sheets is simple once you know where to look. Whether you prefer clicking through menus or using quick shortcuts, both tools make it easy to start fresh. Keep these steps handy — they’ll save you time and make your spreadsheet tasks smoother every day.

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