Works FAQ: Spreadsheet Questions (Part 2) (138731)

MORE INFORMATION

1. Q. How can I add days to a date in a Works spreadsheet?
   
   A. To add days to a date in a spreadsheet, create a formula that adds the number of days you want to the date. For example, if cell A1 contains the date 12/25/95, to find the date 60 days later (2/23/96), type the formula

   =A1+60

   in a different cell. After you enter the formula, you need to format the cell as a date. For additional information about how to add a specific number of days, months or years to a date, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   107189 Works: Adding Days to a Date in the Spreadsheet

2. Q. How can I total a series of time calculations?
   
   A. To perform the SUM function on cells that are formatted with a time format in Microsoft Works, you must first convert the data in the cells to numeric format.
   
   To accomplish this conversion, create a new column in the spreadsheet and enter a formula that multiplies the time stored in the time/date formatted cells by 24. This converts the time entered in the original cell(s) to an equivalent decimal value; this decimal number can be added correctly using the SUM function. You can use this method for a spreadsheet cell value (or range of cell values), as well as database field values.
   
   The following is an example of how to add a time-formatted column with the SUM function:

             Name       Start_Time     Stop_Time     Total_Work
             ----       ----------     ---------     ----------
   
             Scott      7:00 AM         4:00 PM      9.00
             Marty      7:00 AM         4:45 PM      9.75
             Jeff       8:00 AM         5:25 PM      9.42
             Roy        9:00 AM         5:30 PM      8.50
   
             Total:                                 36.67
   						

   The Total_Work column contains the following formula:

   =(Stop_Time*24)-(Start_Time*24)

   Start_Time and Stop_Time can be field names OR cell references.
   
   By multiplying each value in the Total_Work column by 24, the content of each cell becomes a decimal value (for example, 9:15*24 = 9.25), and the new column can be added correctly using the SUM function.
   
   NOTE: The above example assumes that Start_Time and Stop_Time occur on the same date. If the two times are on consecutive days, add 24 to the result to get the correct total.
   
   NOTE: If you format the Total_Work column (column D) with the time/date cell format, the column produces a total greater than 24. Because time can be displayed only in 12- or 24-hour format, the time wraps to 0 (zero) and begins again. For example, if the Total_Work column equals 35:35 when added, it displays as 11:35 A.M. Formatting the column for a numeric format corrects this problem (no wrapping occurs).
3. Q. How do I add gridlines to my spreadsheet printout?
   
   A. To print gridlines in your spreadsheet, do the following:
   
   
   1. On the File menu, click Page Setup.
   2. Click the Other Options tab.
   3. Click the Print gridlines option. Click OK.
   Works prints gridlines as graphics, which creates a larger print job than text characters. If gridlines still do not print after you make this change, and you have a laser printer, you may need to do one or more of the following:
   
   
   • increase the physical memory (RAM) in your printer.
   • reduce the resolution in the printer settings.
   • obtain an updated printer driver.
   
   For additional information about problems printing gridlines in a spreadsheet, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   111381 Works: Problems Printing Gridlines in the Spreadsheet