How to Generate SKUs Automatically Using Google Sheets (Free Template Included)
January 7, 2025
Introduction
Creating SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) is a crucial part of inventory management for e-commerce businesses. SKUs help you track product variations accurately, manage stock levels efficiently, and streamline the order fulfillment process. However, manually creating SKUs can become tedious and inconsistent, especially as your product lines expand.
To simplify this task, we’ve developed a free Google Sheets template that automatically generates SKUs using a custom formula. This template allows you to create consistent, unique SKUs based on key product details, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.
What Is an SKU, and Why Is It Important?
Image Suggestion: An example SKU with labels for each segment, such as category, color, and size.
An SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique identifier assigned to each product variant in your inventory. SKUs are essential for:
• Organizing Inventory: Quickly locate and identify specific items among numerous products.
• Reducing Errors: Minimize mistakes in order fulfillment and inventory tracking.
• Optimizing Reordering: Identify high-demand products for timely restocking.
• Analyzing Sales: Track sales performance of individual products and variants.
A well-structured SKU system simplifies inventory management and provides valuable insights for better operational efficiency.
Introducing the Automatic SKU Generator Template
To make SKU creation effortless, we’ve developed a Google Sheets template that automatically generates SKUs based on your product data. This template is customizable, allowing you to adjust it to include specific codes for categories, colors, sizes, or any other identifiers relevant to your business.
Access the free template here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eSTEK4b7lEB759wIrcScD7sA_C4FYgI8ctRZzw_7s8A/edit?usp=sharing
Note: Make sure to create a copy of the template to edit and customize it for your use.
How to Use the Automatic SKU Generator in Google Sheets
Step 1: Enter Your Product Data
In the template, you’ll find columns for essential SKU components. Customize these columns to fit your product attributes, such as:
• Column A: Product Name (e.g., Classic T-Shirt)
• Column B: Category Code (e.g., APP for Apparel)
• Column C: Color Code (e.g., BLK for Black)
• Column D: Size Code (e.g., M for Medium)
• Column E: Additional Attributes (optional) (e.g., 2024 for the year)
Example:
Product Name Category Code Color Code Size Code Year
Classic T-Shirt APP BLK M 2024
Vintage Hoodie APP RED L 2024
Step 2: Apply the SKU Generation Formula
In the SKU column, the following formula combines each component to create a unique SKU:
Formula Breakdown:
• B2 & “-” & C2 & “-” & D2: Concatenates the Category Code, Color Code, and Size Code, separated by hyphens.
• IF(E2=””, “”, “-” & E2): Adds the Additional Attribute (e.g., Year) if it’s not empty.
• SUBSTITUTE(…, “–”, “-”): Replaces any double hyphens with a single hyphen, ensuring clean formatting.
• TRIM(…): Removes any extra spaces from the SKU.
• UPPER(…): Converts the entire SKU to uppercase letters for consistency.
Example Output:
• APP-BLK-M-2024
• APP-RED-L-2024
Step 3: Customize the SKU Format (Optional)
You can adjust the formula to include or exclude certain attributes, change the order, or modify the separators. For example, if you prefer underscores instead of hyphens, replace "-" with "_" in the formula.
Step 4: Add New Products Easily
Each time you add a new product, the SKU generator will automatically populate a unique SKU based on the template’s structure. Simply fill in the product details in the respective columns, and the SKU will generate instantly.
Pro Tip: Use consistent codes for categories, colors, and sizes across all products to maintain a unified SKU format.
Benefits of Using the SKU Generator Template
The Google Sheets SKU Generator Template offers a free and practical solution for SKU creation:
• Free and Accessible: Google Sheets is a free tool accessible from any device with internet access.
• Efficient: Automating SKU generation saves time and reduces the risk of human error.
• Customizable: The formula can be adjusted to fit your unique SKU structure and business needs.
• Scalable: Easily handle large product catalogs without the tedious manual work.
Get the Template
Ready to streamline SKU creation?
Access the free Google Sheets SKU Generator Template here: Download Template
Note: Click the link and select “Make a copy” to save the template to your Google Drive and begin customizing it for your business.
Conclusion
A structured SKU system is essential for effective inventory management and error reduction. Our Google Sheets template provides a straightforward solution for generating SKUs automatically, making it easy for e-commerce businesses to maintain accuracy as they grow. Download the template, customize it to fit your needs, and start generating SKUs effortlessly.
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At Tightly, we specialize in helping D2C brands optimize their inventory management through AI-driven demand forecasting and smart replenishment. By integrating a robust SKU system with advanced inventory tools, you can take your business to the next level.
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