Getting Started with GradeBook

This guide will walk you through installing GradeBook, creating your first GradeBook, and understanding the basic workflow.

Installation

Step 1: Install from Google Workspace Marketplace

1. Visit the Google Workspace Marketplace GradeBook page
2. Click Install
3. Review the permissions required:
   • Access to your Google Sheets
   • Access to Google Drive (for report generation)
   • Access to Google Classroom (for import features)
   • Permission to send emails (for report delivery)
4. Click Continue and authorize the application
5. Select your Google account and grant permissions

GradeBook requires these permissions to function properly. Your data remains private.

Step 2: Open GradeBook in Google Sheets

1. Open Google Sheets (sheets.google.com)
2. Create a new blank spreadsheet or open an existing one
3. Look for Extensions in the top menu
4. Click Extensions → GradeBook
5. You should see the GradeBook menu with available options

If you don’t see the GradeBook menu, try refreshing the page or reopening the spreadsheet. If the full menu does not show, try these steps: Activate Guide

Creating Your First GradeBook

To set up a new GradeBook, use the Create & View GradeBooks feature.

Quick steps:

1. Click Extensions → GradeBook → Create & View GradeBooks.
2. In the sidebar, choose your GradeBook type, whether to include sample students, and the maximum number of assignments.
3. Enter your course information (at minimum, a Course Name) and click Create GradeBook.

If you’re unsure which grading method to choose, see the Grading Methods documentation.

For a detailed, field-by-field walkthrough of every option in the sidebar, see Create & View GradeBooks.

Understanding Your GradeBook Layout

Once created, your GradeBook will have the following structure:

Column Organization

Student Information Columns:

• Performance Indicators
• Student ID
• Student Name
• Student Email
• Guardian Email (if applicable)
• Teacher Comments
• Override Grades

Assignment Columns:

• Assignment names in the header row
• Grade entries below
• Automatic calculation columns (do not edit)

Summary Columns:

• Overall grade percentage
• Letter grade
• Category breakdowns (for category weighting)

Protected Ranges

Some columns are automatically protected to prevent accidental edits:

• Formula columns
• Calculation columns
• System columns

Never manually edit formula columns. Use GradeBook features to make changes, or formulas may break.

Next Steps

Now that you have created your GradeBook, you can:

1. Add Students: Import from Google Classroom or add manually
2. Enter Grades: Use the Views and Sorting feature to customize your view
3. Generate Reports: Create student progress reports
4. Configure Settings: Customize GradeBook to your preferences

Common Setup Issues

Being logged into multiple Google accounts in the same browser can cause conflicts (for example, the wrong account being used for permissions or menus not loading correctly).

Before testing, make sure to:

1. Use Google Chrome (preferred browser).
2. Log out of all your Google accounts.
3. Clear your browser cache.
4. Log back in only with the email you use our apps with.

Issue: GradeBook menu doesn’t appear

Solution:

• Refresh the Google Sheets page
• Check that the add-on is installed in your Google Workspace account
• Try opening a new spreadsheet
• Clear browser cache and cookies

Issue: Permission errors during installation

Solution:

• Ensure you’re using a compatible Google account
• Check with your Google Workspace administrator (for school/organization accounts)
• Make sure you’re granting all required permissions

Issue: Creation process fails or times out

Solution:

• Reduce the maximum number of assignments
• Try again with a simpler configuration
• Check your internet connection
• Contact support if the issue persists

Need Help?

• Check the FAQ for common questions
• Access Customer Support from Extensions → GradeBook → Support
• Send diagnostic data using Send Obfuscated GradeBook if you encounter technical issues

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Ready to explore more features? Continue to the Features Overview.