> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.whalesync.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.whalesync.com/connectors/google-sheets/formatting-columns.md).

# Formatting columns

Quick guide on how to format columns (i.e. data types) in Google Sheets

### About data types

Google Sheets has two data type categories: 1) Numbers and 2) Text

<figure><img src="https://2481481593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtLaMDbvbGOow76E8CnqW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b74b88d7e20babd413d71c3e661edec5dd01cbd2%2FData%20Types.png?alt=media" alt="" width="486"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How to Format columns

To format a column in Google Sheets simply:

1. Highlight the column
2. Select "Format"
3. Choose the data type

<figure><img src="https://2481481593-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtLaMDbvbGOow76E8CnqW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1b60bf957dcd09f1420d397d38ff652254691305%2FFormatting%20a%20column.gif?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example formatting a column to the Date data type</p></figcaption></figure>

### Why formatting columns is important

In order to two-way sync fields, data types must match across your apps.

For example, if you have a `Date` field in Airtable and want to two-way sync it with Google Sheets, you'll need a `Date` field in Google Sheets.

### Data types in Google Sheets

#### Text

Text fields will two-way sync by default. No additional formatting is needed for:

* Text
* Long-text
* Drop-down
* Multiple Select
* Email

#### Numbers

Number fields need to be formatted in order to two-way sync:

1. Numbers
2. Percentages
3. Dates

#### Bonus: foreign keys

Learn how to use foreign keys in Google Sheets here:

{% content-ref url="/pages/u0GKTqMWSAgrqIAsIh6J" %}
[Foreign keys](/connectors/google-sheets/foreign-keys.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}