Change colors and styles via the menu to match your branding. Method 3: Build a Custom Bracket (The Pro Way)

In the search box, type or "Basketball Bracket" .

: The winner’s spot will be cell B2 (the midpoint). Step 2: Draw the "Bracket Lines"

Building from scratch using cell borders allows for maximum control over scoring and automation. Step 1: Layout the Rounds

Choose a layout that fits your needs (e.g., 16-team single elimination or 64-team) and click .

Use and Top/Bottom Borders to draw the lines connecting your teams. Step 3: Automate the Advancement

If you want a polished look without worrying about cell grids, use SmartArt. This creates a "floating" diagram on top of your spreadsheet. : Click Illustrations > SmartArt .

Whether you’re organizing a local pickleball league, a corporate sales competition, or a high-stakes March Madness pool, Excel is the go-to tool for building tournament brackets.

There are three primary ways to make a bracket in Excel, ranging from quick "done-for-you" templates to custom-built interactive boards. Method 1: Use an Excel Template (The Fastest Way)

: Enter Team 1 in cell A1 and Team 2 in cell A3 .