Top 11 tips to avoid spreadsheet errors

Excel is a flexible and deceptively easy tool to use, which is also one of its dangers. The following is a checklist to assist you avoiding some of the most common problems:

• Scope the job.
• Is excel the right tool for the job?
• Use the formula builder.
• Design it in stages and check as you go.
• If there is an error.
• Use formulas to help you.
• Use formula tools.
• Use conditional formatting.
• Make the input stage simple to use.
• Review.
• Lock it down.