- 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).
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