Department of Technology

TECH 394 - Tech Computer Applications

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• Create a simple spreadsheet, place values in cells, and perform calculations using equations.
• Format the text or numbers in certain cells.
• Use borders to show lines appropriately.
• Change the header and footer to print as required.
• Preview a print job to determine that it will fit on a page.
• Create a simple chart based on data in the spreadsheet.

Beyond these basics, there are a number of features in most spreadsheets (Excel included) that help the user create more efficient models, improve their clarity, and make the user’s life easier:

• Date and time functions
• Using the fill handle to fill ranges.
• Using cell names to make equations clearer
• Using multiple sheets to organize a model
• Linking data from one sheet onto another
• Using a list form to assist in filling a set of values
• Subtotals

Functions are predefined processes that modify or manipulate data in the spreadsheet. You’ve probably used a simple function like =sum(a3:a16) to add the value in the cells in column A from row 3 to row 16, inclusive. In addition, we will look at several that improve productivity:

• Statistical functions - average, STD, etc.
• Financial functions - used to determine rates of return, payments due, etc.
• Logical functions - used to generate responses based on T/F questions

Many people use spreadsheets to perform "What-if" analyses. The want tools that let them search for an answer by varying the values in cells related to the answer. We will look at:

• Goal Seek
• One-way and Two-way tables

Finally, as we look at the spreadsheet as a tool to use independent of macros and shared data, we look at methods of formatting to improve output:

• Merging blocks of cells to create a header
• Wrapping text that is too long for a single cell
• Using mixed string and numeric data in a cell
• Protecting cells, sheets
• Hiding cells, columns, rows, and worksheets