[header] How to decide when to use a spreadsheet [title] Determine if you need a spreadsheet. [substeps] If you have the data in written form, assess how manageable it is on the page. You may want to consider a spreadsheet if you have tried to calculate the results manually. 
A spreadsheet will electronically calculate the sum total of your data. Most spreadsheet software will also calculate averages, multiples and a great many mathematical formulas, quicker than it can be done manually.