[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Regardless of the company size, anyone working with data regularly can benefit from quick and easy ways to work with data. If you work with smaller datasets, entering the data manually may be the way to go. However, what if your dataset contains thousands of rows or columns? You\u2019re now probably wondering, can I automate data entry in Excel?<\/p>\n
In this guide, you\u2019ll learn the importance of using Excel data entry forms and how to create these entry forms in Excel using different features. Covering 4 different methods, you\u2019ll learn how to create a data entry form in Excel using its built-in feature, VBA, Macros, and finally, Power Automate.<\/p>\n
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Excel data entry forms are templates for data entry. Think of it as additional support to enter data in your spreadsheet, which can range across multiple columns and rows. It\u2019s especially useful for those working with multiple category lists or large databases. The main reasons why you may want to use data entry forms include:<\/p>\n
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To create a data entry form in Excel, you don\u2019t need to learn to program or have coding skills. Luckily, Microsoft 365 includes applications and features that do the work for you. You simply need to know where to look for these tools and how to make them work for you.<\/p>\n
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To create your first data entry form using \u201cForms\u201d, an Excel built-in feature, you\u2019ll first have to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT).<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> Open your Excel spreadsheet and click on the small arrow at the top, as shown below. Select \u201cMore Commands\u2026\u201d from the drop-down list.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-more-commands-toolbar.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu open with More Commands at the bottom” title_text=”Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu open with More Commands at the bottom” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Select \u201cQuick Access Toolbar\u201d from the left-side menu, and then \u201cCommands Not in the Ribbon\u201d from the \u201cChoose commands from\u201d drop-down menu.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-commands-not-in-the-ribbon.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Excel Options with Commands Not in the Ribbon picked under Choose commands from” title_text=”Excel Options with Commands Not in the Ribbon picked under Choose commands from” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Scroll down the list until you find the \u201cForm\u201d feature and add it to your QAT by clicking on the \u201cAdd\u201d button, placed in the center. Click \u201cOK\u201d to finish.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-add-form-command.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Form command selected in the list next to the Add button” title_text=”Form command selected in the list next to the Add button” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Now that it\u2019s easily accessible, you can begin to use it.<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Click on any row item and then the Form icon you just created, located in the green ribbon at the top of your screen.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-form-icon-quick-access-toolbar.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Form icon added to the Quick Access Toolbar above a sales data table” title_text=”Form icon added to the Quick Access Toolbar above a sales data table” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> A window will pop up that shows the table information contained in \u201cSheet 1\u201d. To the left, the form provides the column names, followed by the data already contained in the cells. To create a new data entry, aka \u201crecord\u201d, click on the \u201cNew\u201d button, which appears to the right.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-sheet1-form-dialog.webp” alt=”Excel data entry form \u2014 Sheet1 form showing the first of 48 records with New, Delete and Find buttons” title_text=”Sheet1 form showing the first of 48 records with New, Delete and Find buttons” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> You can start inputting your data in the blank fields. Once you\u2019re done, click \u201cClose\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-new-record.webp” alt=”Excel data entry form \u2014 blank New Record fields ready for data entry” title_text=”Blank New Record fields ready for data entry” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-create-a-data-entry-form-using-vb” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n This method is the preferred option for users that wish to create a more visual data entry form, as it makes it easier to manage all elements required to structure your data. To create a data entry form using Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), you\u2019ll first need to add this feature to your Ribbon for quicker access.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the previous section.<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Select \u201cCustomize Ribbon\u201d from the left-side menu and then \u201cMain Tabs\u201d from the \u201cCustomize the Ribbon\u201d drop-down menu to the right.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-customize-ribbon-main-tabs.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Customize the Ribbon set to Main Tabs with Developer highlighted” title_text=”Customize the Ribbon set to Main Tabs with Developer highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Tick the \u201cDeveloper\u201d option and then \u201cOK\u201d to automatically enable this tab on your Ribbon. The VBA feature should be included automatically in newer Excel versions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-developer-tab-checked.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Developer box ticked in the Main Tabs list” title_text=”Developer box ticked in the Main Tabs list” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Go to your new \u201cDeveloper\u201d tab in your Ribbon, and then click on the \u201cVisual Basic\u201d button.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-data-entry-form-developer-tab-visual-basic.webp” alt=”Data entry form in Excel \u2014 Developer tab with the Visual Basic and Macros buttons” title_text=”Developer tab with the Visual Basic and Macros buttons” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Excel will automatically launch the VBA window. Go to \u201cInsert\u201d and then select \u201cUserForm\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-vba-userform-insert-menu.webp” alt=”VBA data entry form in Excel \u2014 Insert menu in the VBA editor with UserForm selected” title_text=”Insert menu in the VBA editor with UserForm selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> You\u2019ll find a small \u201cToolbox\u201d window and the \u201cUserForm\u201d to the right. This is the space where you can create your own by including any elements you wish.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-vba-userform-toolbox.webp” alt=”VBA data entry form in Excel \u2014 empty UserForm1 next to the Toolbox controls” title_text=”Empty UserForm1 next to the Toolbox controls” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 7.<\/strong> Select one of the elements from the \u201cToolbox\u201d and drag it to the \u201cUserForm1\u201d box. Here, we have selected the \u201cA\u201d button to create a \u201cLabel\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/excel-vba-userform-label.webp” alt=”VBA data entry form in Excel \u2014 Label1 placed on UserForm1 with its properties listed” title_text=”Label1 placed on UserForm1 with its properties listed” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To change the name of the \u201cLabel\u201d simply double-click on it. This same system can be used for any of the remaining elements, including text boxes, lists, or commands. To save your work, you will need to save the Excel file as a macro-enabled workbook, i.e., in \u201c.xlsm\u201d format.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-make-an-automated-data-entry-form” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To create a data entry form in Excel using Power Automate<\/a>, you first need to make sure the data is stored in Excel online and in table format.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Launch Power Automate and click on \u201cCreate\u201d and then \u201cInstant cloud flow\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-instant-cloud-flow.webp” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 Instant cloud flow option on the Power Automate Create page” title_text=”Instant cloud flow option on the Power Automate Create page” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Select \u201cManually trigger a flow\u201d from the options.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-manually-trigger-flow.webp” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 Build an instant cloud flow dialog with Manually trigger a flow selected” title_text=”Build an instant cloud flow dialog with Manually trigger a flow selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Click on \u201cManually trigger a flow\u201d to access the \u201cAdd an input\u201d option.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-add-an-input.webp” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 Manually trigger a flow step with the Add an input option” title_text=”Manually trigger a flow step with the Add an input option” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Select the type of data to enter.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-user-input-types.png” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 user input types Text, Yes\/No, File, Email, Number and Date” title_text=”User input types Text, Yes\/No, File, Email, Number and Date” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> After each data entry type, you can click on the vertical ellipsis icon to create an Excel data entry form with a drop-down list. Once you finish, click on \u201cNew Step\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-input-fields.png” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 Units, Ordered, Value and Agents inputs in the trigger” title_text=”Units, Ordered, Value and Agents inputs in the trigger” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> Select \u201cExcel Online (Business)\u201d and then \u201cCreate table\u201d from the \u201cActions\u201d tab. This will connect your form with the spreadsheet you\u2019d like to enter data in.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-excel-online-actions.png” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 Excel Online (Business) actions list including Create table” title_text=”Excel Online (Business) actions list including Create table” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 7.<\/strong> Add the \u201cLocation\u201d, \u201cDocument Library\u201d, the name of the \u201cFile\u201d, and the \u201cTable range\u201d where your form is created. Note that the \u201cColumn names\u201d will need to be input using a semicolon as a separator. Once you finish, click \u201cSave\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/power-automate-excel-form-create-table.png” alt=”Automated data entry form in Excel \u2014 Create table action with Location, Document Library, File and Table range” title_text=”Create table action with Location, Document Library, File and Table range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You\u2019ll see how Power Automate recommends testing the flow. To test, simply click on the \u201cTest\u201d button to the far right.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-create-a-data-entry-form-using-ma” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Macros can be used in Excel to automate tasks that are usually very time-consuming, such as manually entering large datasets in a spreadsheet. The great thing about using VBA Macros is that you can do it straight from your spreadsheet. From creating tables to connecting your spreadsheet with external data sources, this feature offers limitless possibilities in task automation.<\/p>\n To get a more profound understanding of how it works, check out our guide on how to use macros in Excel to automate tasks<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”excel-data-entry-form-examples-and-templ” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The built-in Form button works on any range with a header row, so the quickest way to start is with a table you already keep. Some tables that work well with it:<\/p>\n If you’d rather not build the table yourself, start from a template. In Excel, go to File > New and search the template gallery for a term such as “inventory” or “expense.” You can also download this inventory template in Excel<\/a> or this expense tracker template for Excel<\/a>. Once the template is open, click any cell in its table and then the Form button to add records.<\/p>\n The Form dialog shows up to 32 columns. For a wider table, build a UserForm with VBA instead, as shown above.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”conclusion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Excel is the go-to solution for data storage and management. However, inputting the data is the first and crucial step in any process. If you work in inventory management or a business with high-volume record-keeping, then you\u2019ll most certainly benefit from automation tools in Excel.<\/p>\n Automating Excel functions is possible through powerful integrated features such as VBA, Macros, and Power Automate. You should now feel comfortable with these tools and have the necessary know-how skills to create a data entry form in Excel using 4 easy but powerful ways.<\/p>\n After a few weeks of entries, check the table for repeated records, since the same entry often gets typed twice. You can remove duplicates in Excel<\/a> in a few clicks. If your team works in Google Sheets instead, a Google Form does the same job and sends each response to a new row. Follow these steps to create a Google Form<\/a>.<\/p>\nHow to create a data entry form using VBA?<\/h2>\n
Add VBA to your ribbon toolbar<\/h3>\n
How to make an automated data entry form in Excel with Power Automate<\/h2>\n
How to create a data entry form using macros?<\/h2>\n
Excel data entry form examples and templates<\/h2>\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n