Explain how my spreadsheet works in plain words
Explains a pasted spreadsheet sample in plain words, what each column does, how they connect and what could break.
Task:
Explain how the spreadsheet sample below works, as if to a colleague who has to take it over.
Context:
The sheet is used for [purpose, for example monthly budget] in [spreadsheet program]. My experience with spreadsheets is [beginner, comfortable or advanced].
Rules:
- Say what each column or block is for in one line.
- Show how the values connect, such as which cells feed a total. Quote any formulas I pasted.
- Name up to three things that could break or be entered wrongly.
- Use an example row from the sample to walk through one calculation.
- Replace names, account numbers and other personal data with dummy values before you paste the sample.
- Where the sample is too small to tell, say what extra information you would need.
Result:
A short explanation of at most 250 words under the headings columns, connections and weak points. End with one question that would help me check the sheet.
Material:
[paste a sample of 10 to 20 rows, including headers and formulas]