How to Choose a Spreadsheet Program

Spreadsheets are sophisticated number-crunching programs. They calculate and recalculate figures, generate charts, graphs and reports and provide tools and templates to automate much of the process for the user.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spreadsheet Softwares

1. Evaluate your needs for using a spreadsheet. Do you need to use complex formulas or specialized features such as pivot tables? Or do you just want to use the spreadsheet as an easy way to create text tables? (See the eHow "Decide When to Use a Spreadsheet Program" for more tips.)

2. Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to narrow your choices.

3. Try the spreadsheet in Microsoft Works to see if it offers you enough capabilities, if Works came with your computer. (Try AppleWorks if you use a Mac.)

4. Choose the program you use at work if it is commercially available and you want compatibility or you want to save the time required to learn a slightly different program.

5. Consider that most businesses use Microsoft Excel.

6. Buy Excel or the full Microsoft Office suite, if you want to have current proficiency in the software your next employer is likely to use.

7. Consider buying an office suite instead of a stand-alone spreadsheet program if you would buy at least one other program in the suite.

8. Consider freeware if your needs are very basic.

9. Compare ease-of-use.

10. Check the quantity and usability of included templates if you would like to use them.

11. Compare formatting tools and options, such as the ability to automatically convert data into different types of graphs and charts.

12. Compare how programs allow you to create macros or ways to let you automate tasks you do repeatedly.

13. Make sure the program has good file-translation capabilities (from and to other applications and other platforms).

Tips & Warnings

• Basic, unsophisticated programs are easier to use and faster than full-featured, professional programs. They also require less hard disk space and RAM.
• You might be able to get the program you use at work free from your employer. Many employers buy multimachine licenses for programs, and are happy to have employees work at home.
• Make sure your computer meets the system requirements of any program you download or buy.

[deepthinker]

on 3/31/2007 This article is very "EXCEL centric" and doesn't for example list most of the alternative (and often free) spreadsheets - both desktop and those available on the Web - such as Editgrid.

There are lists of spreadsheets available on Wikipedia under articles named "list of online spreadsheets" or "list of spreadsheets". Within these articles, there are links to comparison charts listing differences between various spreadsheet types and their advantages and disadvantages.