instructables

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel

by Artuino

Everyone is familiar with MS Excel, right?. MS Excel
being a spreadsheet program is used to store and
retrieve numerical data in a grid format of columns
and rows. Excel is ideal for entering, calculating and
analyzing company data such as sales figures, sales
taxes or commissions. Yet did you know that it can be
used for creating floor plans? Yes, you heared that
right!
This 'ible demonstrate the use of Microsoft excel as a
tool in designing any type of floor plan (i.e. house,
industrial, plant).
So hover on the rest of the steps and learn how I did
it.

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 1

Step 1: Set-Up Row and Column

Once we open the spreadsheet, we have to set-up the cells to create grid coordinate so that scaling is easy.

I set the column width to 1 and the row height to 9 units.

This can be done by following the steps below:

Select entire cells by pressing Ctrl+A.

Right click column letters then select Column Width. Change value to 1 then click 'Ok'.
Next while entire cells are still selected, right click row numbers then select Row Height. Change
value to 9 then click 'Ok'.
Now the grid 'working area' is now ready for layout.

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 2

Step 2: Create the Scaling and Wall

This part goes through depending on the design in
mind to be implemented.
I decided to create a house layout with 400 square
feet area (scaled). I started with the wall. The width is
2 square units. By the way, my scaling for this
layout is 4 square units (cells) equivalent to 1
square foot.
To create the lines simply create border lines on the

cells depending on the scaling used. I put grid lines

(in purple) to visualize the 1 square foot scaling.

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 3

Step 3: Start Partitioning the Floor Area

Now that the floor area has been established. I
partitioned it by putting walls inside creating rooms in
the layout.
I started with the bedroom and living room area.
Next I worked with the bathroom and closet. At this
moment I added shapes from the Shape toolbar to
create figures on the layout (for the lavatory, faucet
bowl etc.).
Afterwards, I created partition for the pantry and
kitchen adding also shapes to make it look more of a
layout .

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 4

Step 4: Refine the Floor Plan

I refine the layout by removing the lines connecting the walls making it look as one. I did it by selecting the cells
with the 'unnecessary' lines then right click on it. Select the format cells option then go to borders option and
remove the unnecessary lines as mentioned.

I eventually end up adding an area for the balcony of my design.

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 5

Step 5: Add Color and Last Touches

I colored the layout on some parts. This makes it look
more realistic (I guess). Don't forget the labels for
each area. Some decorations can be added to
improve the look of the design. In my design I added
a sofa, a TV, bed, table lamps etc.
can see using this tool is that it's limited to horizontal
and vertical wall designs. To overcome this, shapes
can be used as alternative arranged diagonally.
Hope you enjoyed it!

That's it for my demonstration of using MS Excel Thanks for your attention.

Spreadsheet as floor plan layout tool. One restriction i

Can you please provide us more detailed information how to created this?

Thanks. At what particular part would you want me to provide elaborate information?

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 6

CooL! I just remembered myself twenty years ago. I drew the same plans in Excel.
But twenty years have passed! You can take freeware Sketchup and make much more and more
clearly. Why return to the past?
Well, I guess that's right..this is just a demonstration showing people a different approach to floor
plan design using a practical tool already lying around. thanks.
My sister does this, but hasn't had the patience to teach me how, so I've continued to do it the old
fashioned way. But I've wanted to be able to do this, so I greatly appreciate that you have taken the
time to write this up. Thank you!
Thanks...I have done this before. Just recently remembered doing it and decided to create an 'ible
about it.
Have you ever tried Sweet Home 3d? :)
No haven't tried it but may give it a try sometime. the graphics looks great.

I've used Excel for floor plans for years now - never thought of writing an instructable though -
kudos to you, and thanx.
thanks. have used it well before in designing my mother's house's renovation.

Create Floor Plan Using MS Excel: Page 7