Operation Manual

Figure 121: Sort Criteria dialog
To sort cells in your spreadsheet:
1) Select the cells to be sorted.
2) Go to Data > Sort on the main menu bar to open the Sort dialog (Figure 121).
3) Select the sort criteria from the drop down lists. The selected lists are populated from the
selected cells.
4) Select either ascending order (A-Z, 1-9) or descending order (Z-A, 9-1).
5) Click OK and the sort is carried out on your spreadsheet.
Using formulas and functions
You may need more than numbers and text on your spreadsheet. Often the contents of one cell
depend on the contents of other cells. Formulas are equations that use numbers and variables to
produce a result. Variables are placed in cells to hold data required equations.
A function is a predefined calculation entered in a cell to help you analyze or manipulate data. All
you have to do is enter the arguments and the calculation is automatically made for you. Functions
help you create the formulas required to get the results that you are looking for.
See the Calc Guide Chapter 7 Using Formulas and Functions for more information.
Analyzing data
Calc includes several tools to help you analyze the information in your spreadsheets, ranging from
features for copying and reusing data, to creating subtotals automatically, to varying information to
help you find the answers you need. These tools are divided between the Tools and Data menus.
One of the most useful of these tools is the PivotTable, which is used for combining, comparing,
and analyzing large amounts of data easily. Using the PivotTable, you can view different
summaries of the source data, display the details of areas of interest, and create reports, whether
you are a beginner, an intermediate or advanced user.
See the Calc Guide Chapter 8 Using Pivot Tables and Chapter 9 Data Analysis for more
information on pivot tables and other tools available in Calc to analyze your data.
Chapter 5 Getting Started with Calc | 145