[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
Many Excel tasks are repetitive and time consuming. Luckily, there are several ways to automate them. This guide to spreadsheet automation in Excel covers VBA macros, Power Automate, and Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform where you can build custom workflows to automate your spreadsheet and business processes, without having to write a single line of code.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what-can-you-use-excel-automation-for” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-automate-excel-spreadsheets” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n VBA macros record a series of steps so Excel can repeat them for you. To create them, first add the Developer tab to the ribbon.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Click on the Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop-down arrow and select “More Commands\u2026” as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-more-commands.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu open with More Commands highlighted” title_text=”Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu open with More Commands 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 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\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-customize-ribbon.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 Excel Options on Customize the Ribbon with Main Tabs selected” title_text=”Excel Options on Customize the Ribbon with Main Tabs 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> Select the \u201cDeveloper\u201d option and then \u201cOK\u201d to enable it in your toolbar.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-developer-tab.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 Main Tabs list in Excel Options with Developer checked” title_text=”Main Tabs list in Excel Options with Developer checked” 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 1.<\/strong> Go to your new \u201cDeveloper\u201d tab and select \u201cRecord Macro\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-record-macro.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 Developer tab open with the Record Macro button” title_text=”Developer tab open with the Record Macro 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 2.<\/strong> Enter the name of the Macro. Here, I\u2019ll use \u201cRefreshChartA\u201d. Click \u201cOK\u201d to continue.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-name-macro.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 Record Macro dialog with the macro name RefreshChartA” title_text=”Record Macro dialog with the macro name RefreshChartA” 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 the \u201cVBA\u201d button from your \u201cDeveloper\u201d tab and adapt the following code according to your sheet and macro names:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-vba-refresh-code.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 VBA editor with the RefreshChartA code for Sheet1″ title_text=”VBA editor with the RefreshChartA code for Sheet1″ 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> Click on the \u201cPlay\u201d green icon in VBA and then select the macro you just created. Then, click \u201cRun\u201d to execute the macro.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-run-macro.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 Macros dialog with RefreshChartA selected and the Run button” title_text=”Macros dialog with RefreshChartA selected and the Run 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 5.<\/strong> To check that it works, apply any change to the PivotTable<\/a> to see how it reflects in the sheet containing the Chart. For example, here, I\u2019ll remove the last row.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-edit-pivottable.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 right-click menu on the last data row with Delete selected” title_text=”Right-click menu on the last data row with Delete 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> Head over to the sheet containing the chart, and it should automatically reflect the change made.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-excel-refreshed-chart.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation in Excel \u2014 column chart on the Chart1 sheet after the refresh” title_text=”Column chart on the Chart1 sheet after the refresh” 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 1.<\/strong> Launch Power Automate and click on \u201cTemplates\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-power-automate-templates.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation with Power Automate \u2014 Templates gallery with Excel and SharePoint flows” title_text=”Templates gallery with Excel and SharePoint flows” 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> Enter \u201cCreate a row in another spreadsheet for a selected row\u201d to automate synchronization tasks between two spreadsheets. Click \u201cContinue\u201d to edit your template.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-power-automate-continue.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation with Power Automate \u2014 Create a row in another spreadsheet for a selected row template with Continue” title_text=”Create a row in another spreadsheet for a selected row template with Continue” 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> You\u2019ll see two boxes corresponding to each dataset that you\u2019ll synchronize. You simply need to click on the field and choose the file location from the drop-down menu.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-power-automate-edit-template.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation with Power Automate \u2014 Add a row into a table step with the Dynamic content panel open” title_text=”Add a row into a table step with the Dynamic content panel open” 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> The second box contains the information related to the table that will be updated, so you\u2019ll need to provide further information on the type of data to add. As soon as you click on the fields, you\u2019ll be prompted to enter the values from the available options to the right. Click \u201cSave\u201d to finish.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/spreadsheet-automation-power-automate-dynamic-content.webp” alt=”Spreadsheet automation with Power Automate \u2014 For a selected row and Add a row into a table steps with fields filled” title_text=”For a selected row and Add a row into a table steps with fields filled” 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=”automate-your-spreadsheet-tasks-with-she” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform, takes spreadsheet automation further. Instantly connect your spreadsheets and create automated workflows to eliminate manual tasks, standardize processes, remove bottlenecks, and increase efficiency.<\/p>\n With Sheetgo, you can automate all of the following:<\/p>\n Data collection<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Data storage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Data manipulation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Data visualization and reporting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Data analysis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Document generation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Task management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Expense tracking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n To learn more, read about the advantages of automated data processing<\/a>, the best workflow automation software<\/a>, how to structure your workflow<\/a>, and how to consolidate Excel files automatically<\/a>.<\/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>\nWhat can you use Excel automation for?<\/h2>\n
Excel automation examples<\/h3>\n
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How to automate Excel spreadsheets?<\/h2>\n
How to automate Excel spreadsheets using VBA macros?<\/h3>\n
Add developer tab, including VBA and macros features<\/h3>\n
How to refresh data in Excel using VBA macros?<\/h3>\n
Private Sub Sheet1(data)\nCall RefreshChartA\nEnd Sub\n\nSub RefreshChartA()\nActiveSheet.ChartObjects(\"ChartA\").Activate\nActiveChart.PivotLayout.PivotTable.PivotCache.Refresh\nEnd Sub<\/code><\/pre>\nHow to automate Excel spreadsheets using Power Automate?<\/h3>\n
Automate your spreadsheet tasks with Sheetgo<\/h2>\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n