Spreadsheet Uses

Spreadsheets are typically used by business owners to keep track of expenses. The most well-known spreadsheets are Microsoft's Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and Wordperfect's Quattro. Spreadsheets are one of the most underrated programs in an office suite. Their use goes far beyond creating simple expense sheets and employee time sheets, as spreadsheets are complex programs offering a range of powerful features, including game programming, text effects, graphing and graphics capabilities.

Budget Planning

A spreadsheet is an excellent budget planning tool, with calculation features that make keeping track of expenses and income easy, and calculating end-of-year data a breeze.

Inventory Tracking

You can use a spreadsheet to calculate sales percentages, help determine what products need to be ordered and keep track of stock.

Charts

Spreadsheets include graphic capabilities that allow you to calculate and compile information into visual representations. This is a great way to keep track of an employee's sales record or any other information that needs to be tracked and calculated on a regular basis.

Database and Address Books

A spreadsheet can be a versatile database, keeping track of important web pages and names, numbers and addresses of business contacts. It can even be used as a reference database for writers.

Surveys

You can use a spreadsheet to take surveys. Simply enter the survey results and use the calculation features to analyze and sort the information.

Resources

• Excel Spreadsheet Tips
• More Good Uses for Spreadsheets