After the name of the function comes its arguments. It is followed by DCOUNT, the name of the function. Like most functions, this one starts with an equal sign. = DCOUNT (Database Database field Search_criteria) To give a typical example, the structure of a function to find cells that match entered search criteria is: If you use the right tool for entering a function, you can escape learning this structure, but it is still worth knowing for troubleshooting. Understanding the structure of functions Įxcept for simple functions such as + or *, all functions have a similar structure. However, perhaps nine-tenths of functions can be imported between Calc and Excel without any problems. Occasionally, too, functions with the same names in Calc and Excel have different arguments, or slightly different names for the same argument-neither of which can be imported to the other. However, both Excel and Calc have functions that the other lacks. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the distinction is worth preserving, because a formula can use functions as an argument.įor compatibility, functions and their arguments in Calc have almost identical names to their counterparts in Microsoft Excel. Strictly speaking, when all the arguments are entered and a function is ready to run, it becomes a formula. Should the values in the cells change, then the result of the function is automatically updated. In Calc, you can enter values from other cells by typing in their name or range, or-unlike the case in some spreadsheets-by selecting cells with the mouse. More often, however, an argument is a value that you enter manually, or one already entered in a cell or range of cells on the spreadsheet.

In some cases, the arguments have pre-defined choices, and you may need to refer to the online help or Appendix B (Description of Functions) in this book to understand them. Your job is to enter the arguments needed to run the function. These arguments may or may not have their own name. For instance, SUM, which adds arguments, can also be entered as + while PRODUCTION, which multiplies arguments, can also be entered as *.Įach function has a number of arguments used in the calculations. By tradition, functions are entered entirely in upper case letters, although Calc will read them correctly if they are in lower or mixed case, too.Ī few basic functions are also represented by symbols. For instance, the FV function gives the future value of an investment, while BIN2HEX converts a binary number to a hexadecimal number.

Typically, the name of a function is an abbreviated description of what the function does. Alternatively, it may be as complex as calculating the standard deviation of a sample, or a hyperbolic tangent of a number. A function may be as simple as adding two numbers together, or finding the average of a list of numbers. Many of these functions are for use with numbers, but many others are used with dates and times, or even text. Understanding functions Ĭalc includes over 350 functions to help you analyze and reference data. If you understand functions, then you can start to use the real power of a spreadsheet. Functions are the main reason for spreadsheets. All you have to do is add the arguments, and the calculation is automatically made for you. Calc also provides the ability to input information into multiple sheets of the same document at one time.Īfter entering data, you can format and display it in various ways.Ī function is a pre-defined calculation entered in a cell to help you analyze or manipulate data in a spreadsheet. You can enter data into Calc in several ways: using the keyboard, the mouse (dragging and dropping), the Fill tool, and selection lists. In version 3.0 of OOo, each sheet can have a maximum of 65,536 rows and a maximum of 1024 columns. These cells hold the individual elements-text, numbers, formulas etc.-which make up the data to be displayed and manipulated.Įach spreadsheet can have many sheets and each sheet can have many individual cells. Spreadsheets consist of a number of individual sheets, each containing a block of cells arranged in rows and columns. Spreadsheets, sheets and cells Ĭalc works with elements called spreadsheets. You can enter data, usually numerical data, in a spreadsheet and then manipulate this data to produce certain results.Īlternatively you can enter data and then use Calc in a ‘What If.’ manner by changing some of the data and observing the results without having to retype the entire spreadsheet or sheet.

11.2 Identifying copies of spreadsheetsĬalc is the spreadsheet component of (OOo).

11.1 Preparing a document for review (optional).

8.3 Working with scenarios using the Navigator.

4 Understanding the structure of functions.

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