Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for assigning cell properties based on user-defined metadata in a spreadsheet. In one embodiment, the method may involve receiving at least one row metadata and at least one column metadata. The method may involve associating cells at an intersection of at least one row containing the at least one row metadata and at least one column containing the at least one column metadata into a set. The method may involve assigning at least one property (e.g., formatting attribute and/or content) for the set. In related aspects, the method may further involve, in response to a user changing the at least one property in any cell of the set, applying the changed at least one property to each cell of the set.