Statistical Functions - Find a specified range of numbers, the Mean, Variance, Sum, and Count of numbers in the range, etc. It test to see if a value is true or false, and will return values based on the results of the test. Items in blue are Row and Column Identifiers used in formulas. It is possible to look at underlying formulas, but the normal way to view the spreadsheet is to look as results. Because the spreadsheet imagery is so close to what users normally see with paper and pencil analysis, spreadsheet systems are far easier to learn than a formal programming language.
Normal intuition works for the user.
Spreadsheet models also lend themselves well to alteration. Developing the model usually enhances the user's understanding of the problem. In addition, because the users can do it by themselves, changes can be made immediately. Data Transformation - What operations or transformation processes will be required to convert Input data into output information. If we decide that desired information can not be derived from available data, one must either make adjustments to desired output or find new sources of data.