Spreadsheet Solutions

Spreadsheet Solutions Spreadsheet Solutions (https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz) creates cost effective, bespoke/custom software in Excel, to help companies increase productivity.

We offer various solutions for business of all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the options on our website:

* Custom-made spreadsheets, problem-specific solutions made for your business.
* Ready-made, comprehensive solutions to tackle various business issues.
* A basic range of spreadsheets, to tackle basic tasks, at a really affordable price.
* Excel based administrative support. We make the

spreadsheets, and then use them for you.
* Collaborations with other professionals in order to bring you a more comprehensive solution.
* Bespoke, one-on-one training, if you want us to show you how to complete a specific project.
* Free resources such as DIY training videos, free spreadsheet downloads, and other useful items. Come and take a look at our website, and see how we can help you - https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz

20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 16 of 22 - Hidden calculationsI often see spreadsheets with 32 columns, when onl...
06/05/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 16 of 22 - Hidden calculations

I often see spreadsheets with 32 columns, when only 5 of them are data entry, and 5 of them are useful to know. The other 22 columns are simply helper columns for workings. No harm in that whatsoever. The issue comes in when they are all in one messy lump. I’ve spoken about separating the data entry and formulated cells, but then keep the workings separate and hide them. Showing those only confuses the user. These columns don’t need to be in a logical order to follow the flow of the formula, but rather a logical order for the data entry and viewing.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 15 of 22 - Dynamic drop-down options or calculation over-rideThis is tricky to e...
29/04/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 15 of 22 - Dynamic drop-down options or calculation over-ride

This is tricky to explain but I will try. Let’s say you have a value column, which is 99% always the same value (or calculated value) but in the odd occasion it might need to be changed. If you make it a data entry cell, you’re always entering it, even when it should be automated. If you make it a formulated cell, you can’t change it when you need to. There are 2 options here. Either use a drop-down list to show you the calculated value, with the option to over-ride, so you simply select the correct value as default. Or, have an ‘Over-ride’ column, which you only complete if it differs to the norm. Then you can calculate the norm as default, unless an over-ride is entered.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 14 of 22 - Editable cells rather than hard-coded formulasHard coding means to ty...
22/04/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 14 of 22 - Editable cells rather than hard-coded formulas

Hard coding means to type a number directly into a formula. For example, VAT on £100. At the time of writing this, VAT is at 20%. So, 100*20% would give you the VAT on £100. However, it may not stay at 20%. So, instead of then having to go through your entire spreadsheet trying to find all the VAT references, make a VAT Rate cell (on another tab even). Then reference all formulas to that cell. Then if it changes, simply change one cell and all the references to that cell update.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 13 of 22 - Comparable data setsI’ve said before that you need to try and consoli...
15/04/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 13 of 22 - Comparable data sets

I’ve said before that you need to try and consolidate data into one data set. However, sometimes you need two. For example, you have a list of clients, one row per client, but each client could have a few jobs. So, you have a client list for the unique clients, and then you have a job list for all the jobs. Make sure that the client list feeds the client column in the job list. Make sure it’s on a drop-down list to keep it accurate. That means that you can use the unique client name to cross-compare both sets of data.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


Happy birthday to us!Spreadsheet Solutions is 13 years old today!
09/04/2026

Happy birthday to us!

Spreadsheet Solutions is 13 years old today!


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 12 of 22 - Colour alerts for met criteriaThis can be as simple as flagging up va...
01/04/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 12 of 22 - Colour alerts for met criteria

This can be as simple as flagging up values above or below a target, or cross referencing a few data sets to determine an outcome. However complicated, this should be a staple feature. If you have a list of sales, seeing at a glance which ones hit the desired margin (for example) is key. Set colours for those so that they stand out. Make sure they are accurate, the last thing you want is for some sales to turn red, but only some of those to genuinely be an issue, then you end up ignoring them all.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 11 of 22 - Calculated data where possibleYou might not believe this, but I’ve se...
25/03/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 11 of 22 - Calculated data where possible

You might not believe this, but I’ve seen many a spreadsheet requiring double entry. For example, one recently where they entered the unit price, the number of units, and then also the total line price. Unit price x units. However, they worked I out on a calculator, then manually typed it in! Now, you may not go this far, but you might do similar things. Like assigning a status to a row, which could be calculated from the rest of the data. Doing things like this means that your reporting is not as accurate as possible, because people will forget to change data. Use as little raw data as possible, and then do as much with that as you can.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 10 of 22 - Fewer data setsSo often I see people with unnecessary data sets. Sale...
18/03/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 10 of 22 - Fewer data sets

So often I see people with unnecessary data sets. Sales for January, then sales for February, etc. All in different tables. Then loads of disjointed formulas trying to analyse data from them all. The reason people often do this is because they can’t extract monthly data unless it is separate. By putting all the sales data in one section, and simply using the date to determine what month it is in, it makes it so much easier to enter, analyse, and re-use the following year. There are instances where you need to have separate data sets, and I will address those, but in many cases, keeping data together in one ‘pool’ makes it far easier to use going forward.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 9 of 22 - Logical flow of data entryThink about how you enter data before decidi...
11/03/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 9 of 22 - Logical flow of data entry

Think about how you enter data before deciding the order of the columns. For example, if you have 5 sets of data at the start, and 2 sets a week later, and 1 set a week after that, put them in that order. Put the first 5 columns first, then the next 2, then the last 1. Possibly even border them off so show the breaks. So often I see people filling in the first 3 columns, then leaving the 4th because they don’t know that yet, then filling in the next 2. It is disjointed, it’s messy, and its error prone. By keeping them in order, it makes it easier to complete and makes it easier to see what still needs to be completed.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 8 of 22 - Limited data rangesI often see spreadsheets where they simple start th...
04/03/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 8 of 22 - Limited data ranges

I often see spreadsheets where they simple start the columns and leave them open ended (height-wise). This means that they are relying on Excel to auto-complete formulas as they enter more data. It also means that they need to use the whole column reference in some formulas. Set an end point. Mark it off. Allow for growth. So, instead of just using column B, use range B11:B510 for example, for 500 rows (or whatever is needed). Mark it off with borders so it is clear. That will allow for more effective formulas, and no auto completion, which is essentially Excel guessing. This is not required if you use table, which many advise. There are reasons I don’t use tables, but some prefer it.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


20 features for better spreadsheetsPart 7 of 22 - Editable drop-down lists with warningsI’ve said to use drop-down lists...
25/02/2026

20 features for better spreadsheets

Part 7 of 22 - Editable drop-down lists with warnings

I’ve said to use drop-down lists, but these lists need to be editable. So, put these drop-down list options on another page, and refer to them for these lists. That way, you can edit them if needed. Not only does this allow for ‘futureproofing’ but if you flag up incorrect data, you can then see all the instances where you have used now removed options from the drop-down list. So, if you remove Manchester from the list of possible cities, then all the occurrences where you’ve used Manchester will turn red. That makes it easier to adjust your data.

Please visit https://spreadsheetsolutions.biz/contact-us if you wish to get in touch with us for a new spreadsheet.


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