Spreadsheet Help
The tables you create can be downloaded and opened in any spreadsheet program like Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, or QuattroPro. They are provided in comma separated variable format, which is a text file that separates the columns with commas. See Opening the file for more information about using these files.
Once in a spreadsheet, you can use these data in a variety of ways. For example, you can sort your results, use the numbers in formulas, and import them into graphing programs. See Using spreadsheet data for examples of what you can do in a spreadsheet.
Opening the file -
If you select Download spreadsheet version (.csv file) -
- Your computer may already be configured to open the file.
- You may be prompted to either save the file to your hard drive or open it.
- If you select to open it and your machine has not been configured to launch a spreadsheet application, you will be prompted by the browser to pick an application. Specify file name and location of the appropriate program. The application should then launch with the table presented.
If you have downloaded a .csv file to your hard drive,
- Open the spreadsheet application, select text as the format, and then open. The file should open without any additional problems.
- In Windows, find the .csv file in the Windows Navigator and double click on it. If the file type has been configured for csv files, the spreadsheet application should open with the file content.
Using spreadsheet data
Once in a spreadsheet program, the data in the tables can be used in a variety of ways. Some of the most common uses are listed below.
- Calculating data
In a spreadsheet, you can enter a formula into a cell to perform calculations.
For example, you can calculate -
- a sum total
- numbers from percentages
- percentages
- per capita rates
- Sorting data - You can sort data from highest to lowest or alphabetically.
- Charting data - Many spreadsheet programs include a charting function which will produce a variety of graph types from spreadsheet data.
For specific instructions on performing these tasks in
a spreadsheet, consult the help menu of your spreadsheet software.
Data for Analysis