Microsoft Excel

• 1). Open your copy of Microsoft Excel. As of summer 2010, the current version is Microsoft Excel 2010. A new blank spreadsheet will automatically open.
  
  
• 2). Enter data into the columns and rows. Decide what you are capturing and enter it in a logical manner. For instance, to track your monthly expenses, type in each expense in one column. In the next column, enter the actual dollar amount of each expense.
  
  
• 3). Add formulas to your spreadsheet using the "Formulas" tab. If your spreadsheet is without numbers, this will not be necessary. To calculate simple addition, highlight the cells to add together and click the "Auto Sum" button. The calculation will appear in the next available cell. To add other formulas, select the formula from the Function Library.
  
  
• 4). Format the size of your columns and rows by placing your cursor between each column and row and manually moving it to increase or decrease the size. For unified sizing, set the size of each column and row by going to the "Home" tab and selecting the "Cells" group and "Format." You can also add and delete rows and columns from the Home tab and the Cells group.
  
  
• 5). Format cells on your spreadsheet from the Home tab. Place your cursor on an individual cell, column or row or click between column A and row 1 to highlight the entire spreadsheet. Select the font, size and other cell characteristics, such as alignment and number format, from the groups on the Home tab.
  
  

Lotus 1-2-3

• 1). Open Lotus 1-2-3 and click "File," "Create" for a new worksheet and click "OK." A new blank spreadsheet will open.
  
  
• 2). Enter your data into the spreadsheet. Format your text and data by selecting the "Format" menu or selecting options off the toolbar. Click through the tabs for formatting options and make changes as desired.
  
  
• 3). Insert rows and columns into your spreadsheet. Use the "Insert" feature for single rows or columns or the "Range" option under the menu bar to change multiple rows and columns. You can also point your cursor to the desired deletion and select "Delete" from the "Range" menu.
  
  
• 4). Add formulas as necessary within a blank cell using the + sign for additions, - for subtraction, * for multiplication and / for division. For more advanced formulas, visit the Help section and search for "Entering an @ Function."
  
  
• 5). Save your spreadsheet by clicking "File" from the menu and selecting "Save As" and naming your document. Print by clicking "Print" from the "File" menu or selecting the print icon from the toolbar.
  
  

Ability Spreadsheet

• 1). Open the Ability Spreadsheet application. A new blank spreadsheet will automatically open. You can also select "File," "New" and choose from a selection of templates.
  
  
• 2). Enter text and data into the columns and rows of your spreadsheet.
  
  
• 3). Add formulas to your spreadsheet. Add cells by highlighting the cells and clicking the "Auto Sum" button. The calculation will appear in the next available cell. To add other basic formulas like subtracting, multiplying or dividing, use the appropriate symbols and parenthesis. For instance, to subtract A3 from A4, enter "= (A4-A3)." For more advanced formulas, select "Insert" from the drop-down and "Function." Choose the appropriate formula and follow the wizard to select cells.
  
  
• 4). Format your spreadsheet by highlighting the row, column or cell you want to format, selecting the "Format" drop-down menu and formatting the cell data, alignment, font, borders, color, height and width. You can also make these changes using the icons on the toolbar.
  
  
• 5). Save your spreadsheet by selecting "File" and "Save." You can also save quickly by selecting the "Save" icon on the toolbar. Print by selecting "File" and "Print" or by clicking the "Print" icon from the toolbar.