{"id":513,"date":"2024-05-28T18:06:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T18:06:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/?page_id=513"},"modified":"2025-08-04T19:54:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T19:54:50","slug":"part-6-a","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/part-6-a\/","title":{"rendered":"Spreadsheet Softwares for Engineering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"264\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/06\/e-REF-Logo-V-2-11.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1953\" style=\"width:100px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/06\/e-REF-Logo-V-2-11.png 862w, https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/06\/e-REF-Logo-V-2-11-300x92.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/06\/e-REF-Logo-V-2-11-768x235.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:52px\">Overview<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:300px\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Navigation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"#software-comparison\">Spreadsheet Software Comparison<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"#formulas\">Spreadsheet Formulas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:22px\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Spreadsheet softwares like <strong>Microsoft Excel<\/strong> and <strong>Google Sheets<\/strong> are powerful tools for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data in a tabular format, widely used in engineering for efficiency. Engineers leverage these tools for data analysis, simulations, and statistical modeling, enabling accurate and fast calculations. They are also integral to design documentation, serving as repositories for tracking parameters. In project management, spreadsheets help create schedules, allocate resources, and manage budgets. Additionally, they integrate with engineering softwares such as CAD, streamlining workflows. Overall, spreadsheets are vital for engineering documentation, ensuring standardization, traceability, and clarity in complex projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:22px\">Learning Outcomes<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:22px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Recognize the main capabilities of spreadsheet software<\/strong> for engineering applications&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Manipulate common formulas<\/strong> employed in engineering applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Produce graphical representations<\/strong> from data in spreadsheet software<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"software-comparison\" style=\"font-size:52px\">Spreadsheet Software Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:22px\">Sheets vs Excel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Both Excel and Google Sheets offer similar features, however there are a few differences to consider when choosing between the platforms. <strong>Excel<\/strong> is known for assisting in more complex data sets, offering a much wider range of functions and features. Consequently, Excel is much less intuitive and may require more proficiency to utilize its full capabilities. <strong>Google Sheets<\/strong> is designed with simplicity in mind, offering a much more user friendly interface. Additionally, Google Sheets provides users with more collaborative features, better suited for working with large teams. However, Google Sheets has a less extensive library of functions, leaving out statistical and other data analysis tools. Overall, both platforms can be utilized for different needs. Excel is considerably more powerful and extensive in analyzing data, while Google Sheets offers a more simplistic design and fosters collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Excel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Excel-Reference-Guide-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Excel-Reference-Guide-edited.png 960w, https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Excel-Reference-Guide-edited-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Excel-Reference-Guide-edited-768x480.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Google Sheets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Sheets-Reference-Guide2-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Sheets-Reference-Guide2-edited.png 960w, https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Sheets-Reference-Guide2-edited-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/389\/2025\/01\/Sheets-Reference-Guide2-edited-768x480.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"formulas\" style=\"font-size:52px\">Spreadsheet Formulas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:22px\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Formulas in spreadsheet software are expressions used to perform calculations and data manipulation. They typically begin with an equals sign (<code>=<\/code>) and can include arithmetic operators like <code>+<\/code>, <code>-<\/code>, <code>*<\/code>, and <code>\/<\/code> for basic calculations, as well as built-in functions for more advanced operations, such as <code>SUM<\/code> for summing values. Formulas also utilize cell references to dynamically incorporate data from other cells, enabling updates when the source data changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure style=\"font-size:22px\" class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Function<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Excel<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Google Sheets<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Average<\/strong><\/td><td>=MEAN()<\/td><td>=average()<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Maximum<\/strong><\/td><td>=MAX()<\/td><td>=max()<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Minimum<\/strong><\/td><td>=MIN()<\/td><td>=min()<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Count Cells<\/strong><\/td><td>=COUNT()&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><td>=count()<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Conditional<\/strong><\/td><td>=IF()&nbsp; &nbsp; AND&nbsp; &nbsp; OR<\/td><td>=if() &nbsp; &nbsp; and&nbsp; &nbsp; or<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Add Values<\/strong><\/td><td>=SUM()<\/td><td>=sum()<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Arithmetic<\/strong><\/td><td>+&nbsp; &#8211; &nbsp; * &nbsp; \/ &nbsp; ^<\/td><td>+&nbsp; &#8211; &nbsp; * &nbsp; \/ &nbsp; ^<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Remove Data<\/strong><\/td><td>=DROP()<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Look Up Data<\/strong><\/td><td>=VLOOKUP()<\/td><td>=vlookup<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Expand Array<\/strong><\/td><td>=EXPAND()<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Standard Deviation<\/strong><\/td><td>=STDEV()<\/td><td>=stdev()<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">For full list of functions in Excel visit <a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/office\/excel-functions-alphabetical-b3944572-255d-4efb-bb96-c6d90033e188\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Excel Function List<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">For full list of functions in Google Sheets visit <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/docs\/table\/25273?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Sheets Function List<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:52px\">Spreadsheet Software for Engineering: An Applied Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">For further information on spreadsheet softwares in engineering, refer to this guide that introduces practical applications through real-world engineering problems. This resource is especially useful for students seeking hands-on exercises in applying spreadsheets to technical challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">The resource contains sections on <strong>formatting, charting, and exercises<\/strong> for students seeking additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:600px\">\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eng.libretexts.org\/Courses\/North_Carolina_State_University\/Spreadsheet_software_for_engineering%3A_an_applied_guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spreadsheet Software for Engineering: An Applied Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Navigation Summary Spreadsheet softwares like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are powerful tools for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data in a tabular format, widely used in engineering for efficiency. Engineers leverage these tools for data analysis, simulations, and statistical modeling, enabling accurate and fast calculations. They are also integral to design documentation, serving as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7544,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-513","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7544"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=513"}],"version-history":[{"count":81,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/513\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1987,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/513\/revisions\/1987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu\/ncsuereseng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}