Calc Guide

Hint
To change references in formulas highlight the cell and press
Shift-F4 to cycle through the four different types of references.
This is of limited value in more complicated formulas, it is
usually quicker to edit the formula by hand.
Knowledge of the use of relative and absolute references is essential if
you want to copy and paste formulas and to link spreadsheets.
Order of calculation
Order of calculation refers to the sequence in which numerical
operations are performed. Division and multiplication are performed
before addition or subtraction. There is a common tendency to expect
calculations to be made from left to right as the equation would be
read in English. Calc evaluates the entire formula, then based upon
programming precedence breaks the formula down executing
multiplication and division operations before other operations.
Therefore, when creating formulas you should test your formula to
make sure that the correct result is being obtained. Following is an
example of the order of calculation in operation.
Table 10 – Order of Calculation
Left To Right Calculation Ordered Calculation
1+3*2+3 = 11
1+3=4, then 4 X 2 = 8, then 8 + 3 = 11
=1+3*2+3 result 10
3*2=6, then 1 + 6 + 3 = 10
Another possible intention could be:
1+3*2+3 = 20
The program resolves the
multiplication of 3 X 2 before
dealing with the numbers being
added.
If you intend for the result to be either of the two possible solutions on
the left, the way to achieve these results would be to order the formula
as:
((1+3) * 2)+3 = 11 (1+3) * (2+3) = 20
Note
Use parentheses to group operations in the order you intend; for
example, =B4+G12*C4/M12 might become =((B4+G12)*C4)/M12.
Calculations linking sheets
Another powerful feature of Calc is the ability to link data through
several worksheets. The naming of worksheets can be helpful to
192 OpenOffice.org 3.x Calc Guide