# Creating a Live Worksheet

Cloud-connected spreadsheets with real-time sync and Scoop data integration

A Live Worksheet is a Google Sheet connected to Scoop that enables powerful spreadsheet-based analysis with live data integration. Unlike standard spreadsheets, Live Worksheets sync with Scoop in real-time, allowing you to build dynamic models that automatically update with fresh data.

# What Live Worksheets Enable

| Capability | Description |
|------------|-------------|
| **Scoop Data Integration** | Pull data from any Scoop dataset into your spreadsheet using the Scoop for Sheets plugin |
| **Canvas Embedding** | Display and edit named ranges directly on canvases (sheetlets) |
| **Real-Time Sync** | Changes sync automatically between Google Sheets and Scoop |
| **Dynamic Visualization** | Create charts and tables based on spreadsheet data |
| **What-If Analysis** | Change assumptions and see results update instantly |
| **Calculated Columns** | Define formulas that process dataset columns row-by-row |

# How Live Worksheets Work

Live Worksheets leverage a three-tier caching system for fast, reliable access:

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    Your Browser                          │
│                         ↕                                │
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│  │              Memory Cache (fastest)                 ││
│  │                       ↕                             ││
│  │              S3 Cache (backup)                      ││
│  │                       ↕                             ││
│  │           Google Sheets (source of truth)           ││
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

Scoop monitors Google Sheets for changes every few seconds, automatically syncing updates. When you edit a cell in Google Sheets, the change appears in Scoop almost immediately.

# Creating a New Live Worksheet

Navigate to the **Live Worksheets** page by clicking the last icon in the icon bar, then click **New Live Worksheet**.

![](https://docs.scoopanalytics.com/assets/legacy/1c5a727-image-e076166d87.png)

## Creation Options

| Option | Description | Best For |
|--------|-------------|----------|
| **Create New** | Scoop creates a fresh Google Sheet | Starting from scratch |
| **Upload Excel** | Import an existing .xlsx workbook | Migrating existing models |

**When uploading an Excel file:**
- Scoop converts it to Google Sheets format
- All formulas are preserved and recalculated
- Named ranges are automatically imported
- The original file remains unchanged

## After Creation

Your new Live Worksheet:
- Opens in Google Sheets in a new tab
- Is linked to your Scoop workspace
- Supports the Scoop for Sheets plugin
- Can be embedded in canvases as sheetlets

# Live Worksheet Capabilities

## 1. Data Import with Scoop for Sheets

Use the plugin to create queries that populate sheets with Scoop data:

1. Install the Scoop for Sheets plugin (see [Installing Scoop for Sheets](installing-scoop-plugin-for-google-sheets))
2. Open the plugin from Extensions → Scoop for Sheets
3. Create a query selecting your dataset and columns
4. Execute to populate a sheet with live data

## 2. Named Ranges on Canvases

Any named range in your worksheet can be displayed on a canvas:

1. Create a named range in Google Sheets (Data → Named ranges)
2. Add a Sheetlet to your canvas
3. Select your Live Worksheet and named range
4. The range displays with full editing capability

See [Embedding Named Ranges](adding-a-named-range-to-a-canvas) for details.

## 3. Formula-Based Calculations

Live Worksheets support full Excel/Google Sheets formula syntax:

- Standard functions: SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP, etc.
- Date functions: TODAY, EOMONTH, NETWORKDAYS
- Financial functions: NPV, IRR, PMT
- Text functions: CONCAT, LEFT, MID, SUBSTITUTE
- Logical functions: AND, OR, NOT, IFS

Formulas calculate in real-time as data changes.

## 4. Visualization from Spreadsheet Data

Create charts based on worksheet tables:

1. Click "Create from worksheet" in Explorer
2. Select the data range
3. Choose metrics and dimensions
4. Scoop creates a visualization that updates with the spreadsheet

# Common Use Cases

## Financial Modeling

Build financial models that pull actuals from Scoop datasets:

```
┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Revenue Forecast Model                    │
├──────────────────┬───────────────────────┤
│ Actual Revenue   │ =SUM(ScoopData!B:B)   │  ← From Scoop dataset
│ Growth Rate      │ 12%                   │  ← Manual assumption
│ Forecast         │ =B2*(1+B3)            │  ← Calculated
└──────────────────┴───────────────────────┘
```

## Budget vs. Actual Analysis

Compare budget assumptions against real-time actuals:

1. Enter budget figures manually
2. Pull actual data via Scoop for Sheets
3. Calculate variances with formulas
4. Display on canvas for stakeholder review

## What-If Scenarios

Create interactive models where changing one cell cascades through calculations:

- Change growth rate → See updated revenue projections
- Adjust pricing → Watch margin calculations update
- Modify headcount → View budget impact instantly

## KPI Dashboards

Build dashboards with calculations that Scoop's standard analytics can't provide:

- Custom weighted scores
- Complex conditional logic
- Multi-step calculations
- Rolling averages with specific lookback periods

# Best Practices

## Organization

- Use descriptive names for worksheets and ranges
- Group related calculations on the same sheet
- Create a "Assumptions" area for editable inputs
- Use named ranges for all data referenced in canvases

## Performance

- Keep formulas simple when possible
- Avoid volatile functions (NOW, RAND) in frequently-accessed ranges
- Limit the number of Scoop queries per workbook
- Use structured tables for large datasets

## Collaboration

- Live Worksheets are standard Google Sheets—share via Google
- Scoop users see the same data through canvas sheetlets
- Changes made in Google Sheets appear in Scoop (and vice versa)

# Plugin Requirement

The Scoop for Sheets plugin only works with Live Worksheets. Attempting to use the plugin with a non-linked Google Sheet produces an error. This ensures all Scoop data integrations are properly managed and secured.

# Related Topics

- [Google Sheets Plugin](scoop-for-sheets-plugin) - Query Scoop datasets from your spreadsheet
- [Embedding Named Ranges](adding-a-named-range-to-a-canvas) - Display ranges on canvases
- [Installing Scoop for Sheets](installing-scoop-plugin-for-google-sheets) - Plugin setup