What is Use Google Forms to collect real-time data in Google Sheets?

Google Forms and Google Sheets are two powerful tools that can help you collect and analyze data in real-time. Google Forms is a versatile tool designed for creating online forms and surveys, facilitating data collection. Google Sheets is a powerful spreadsheet application that enables users to organize, manipulate, and analyze data. In this article, we will show you how to connect Google Forms to Google Sheets and how to use them for various purposes.

How to connect Google Forms to Google Sheets

Google Forms has a setting that allows you to send your form responses to Google Sheets. This can be a new or existing spreadsheet. Here are the steps to connect Google Forms to Google Sheets:

Open the form you want to connect in edit mode, then click on the Responses tab above the questions.
In the responses tab, click on the green Google Sheets icon.
Decide if you want to create a new spreadsheet, or save form responses to an existing spreadsheet, then click the Create or Select button in the upper-right corner.
A new tab will open with your spreadsheet, where you can see your form responses in real-time.

How to use Google Forms to collect real-time data in Google Sheets

Once you have connected your Google Form to your Google Sheet, you can use them for various purposes. Here are some examples of how you can use Google Forms to collect real-time data in Google Sheets:

Collect supply requests from departments: You can create a Google Form that asks your employees or colleagues to fill out their supply needs, such as stationery, equipment, or software. You can then connect this form to a Google Sheet where you can track the requests, assign them to suppliers, and monitor the delivery status.
Gather job applications: You can create a Google Form that asks potential candidates to submit their resume, cover letter, and other relevant information. You can then connect this form to a Google Sheet where you can review the applications, filter them by criteria, and schedule interviews.
Receive vacation requests: You can create a Google Form that asks your employees or colleagues to request their vacation dates, reasons, and approvals. You can then connect this form to a Google Sheet where you can manage the requests, approve or deny them, and update the calendar.
Gather invoices: You can create a Google Form that asks your vendors or contractors to submit their invoices, including the amount, date, and description of the service or product. You can then connect this form to a Google Sheet where you can verify the invoices, process the payments, and track the expenses.
Send employee performance feedback: You can create a Google Form that asks your employees or colleagues to provide feedback on their performance, goals, strengths, and areas of improvement. You can then connect this form to a Google Sheet where you can analyze the feedback, identify trends, and plan actions.

How to merge responses from different forms into one tab in Google Sheets

If you have multiple forms that collect similar data, you may want to merge their responses into one tab in your Google Sheet. This can help you consolidate and compare the data more easily. Here are the steps to merge responses from different forms into one tab in Google Sheets:

Create a new tab in your spreadsheet and name it as you wish.
In the first row of the new tab, enter the headers of the columns that you want to merge from different forms. Make sure they match exactly with the headers of the form responses tabs.
In the second row of the new tab, enter this formula: =QUERY({'Form Responses 1'!A2:Z;'Form Responses 2'!A2:Z;'Form Responses 3'!A2:Z},"select * where Col1 is not null",0). Replace Form Responses 1, Form Responses 2, and Form Responses 3 with the names of your form responses tabs. Replace A2:Z with the range of columns that contain your data. You can add more tabs if you have more forms.
Press Enter and you will see all the responses from different forms merged into one tab.

Conclusion

Google Forms and Google Sheets are great tools for collecting and analyzing real-time data. By connecting them together, you can streamline and optimize various tasks and processes within your business operations. You can also use other features of Google Workspace, such as Docs, Slides, Keep, Sites, Drive, Gmail, Meet, Calendar, and Chat to enhance your productivity and collaboration.

What is Use Google Forms to collect real-time data in Google Sheets?