# Dashboard Spreadsheets

> Design clear, usable spreadsheet dashboards that surface key metrics, trends, and status without overwhelming the reader. Use when building KPI trackers, operational dashboards, or executive summary sheets inside Excel / Google Sheets.

- Skill: `itsual/dashboard-spreadsheets` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add itsual/dashboard-spreadsheets`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/itsual/dashboard-spreadsheets/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Data & Analytics
- Author: itsual (https://skillmd.com/u/itsual)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/itsual/dashboard-spreadsheets

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# Dashboard Spreadsheets

## Overview

A spreadsheet dashboard should answer the most important questions at a glance and allow drill-down when needed. It is not a data dump.

## When to Use

- KPI / metrics trackers
- Project or operations status dashboards
- Executive one-page summary sheets
- Recurring reporting packs in spreadsheet form

## Design Principles

- Lead with the most important metrics
- Use consistent number formats, colors, and status indicators
- Separate the dashboard view from raw data sheets
- Prefer simple charts and conditional formatting over complexity
- Make the “as of” date and data source obvious
- Design for both screen and print/PDF when relevant

## Recommended Layout Patterns

- Top: Title, date, and key filters
- Upper section: Primary KPIs with trend or status
- Middle: Supporting breakdowns or charts
- Lower / other sheets: Detail and data

## Verification

- [ ] A reader can understand current status in under 30 seconds
- [ ] Key metrics are accurate and clearly labeled
- [ ] Raw data is separated from the presentation layer
- [ ] The dashboard remains usable when data is refreshed