Password Protecting an Excel Spreadsheet

Users have the option of password protecting an Excel workbook. This would require that a password be used in order to open, view or modify a worksheet.

IMPORTANT: If you decide to password protect a file be very careful when typing in the password. If you type the password in incorrectly when you first set it up or if you forget the password once you’ve created it, there will be no way to access the document.

Open the file in Excel that you wish to protect.
On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Security.

image of the Options Menu to password protect spreadsheet

You have two options for protection. One is to create a password that will allow others to open and view a file but not change it. The other option is to allow someone else to open, view and modify a file. Choose one of the following:

Creating a Password to Open and View but NOT Modify a Worksheet:

In the Password to open box, type a password, and then click OK.
In the Reenter password to open box, type the password again, and then click OK.

Creating a Password to Open, View and Modify a Worksheet:

In the Password to modify box, type a password, and then click OK.
In the Reenter password to modify box, type the password again, and then click OK.

IMPORTANT: Be very careful when typing in a password for a spreadsheet. If you type the password in incorrectly when you first set it up or if you forget the password once you’ve created it, there is no way to access the document.