Section: Discussion
...Subsection: What is a spreadsheet?

A spreadsheet is a way to set up relationships between numbers.

Sure, a spreadsheet will make graphs and do arithmetic and create really good-looking tables, but most of that is just snazzy extras. The heart and soul of a spreadsheet is its ability to let you set up relationships between sets of numbers, and then play with the numbers to see what happens.

For example:

• Interest earned is 4% of the current balance per year
• The final car price is the dealer price + cost for extras + 10% commission
• My checkbook balance is the amount of the initial deposit + all the deposits since then - all the withdrawals since then

By setting up correct relationships between the different values, we give ourselves the ability to "play" with the actual numbers to see what happens.