How to check a spreadsheet for mistakes
Three quick checks that catch most errors: read the range of every total, add the figures two ways, and show the formulas.
Task 1Does the total cover every row?4 questions
The most common mistake is a total that misses a row. It happens when rows are added below a SUM that was written earlier.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Invoice | Amount |
| 2 | 2181 | 186.00 |
| 3 | 2182 | 412.50 |
| 4 | 2183 | 95.40 |
| 5 | 2184 | 268.80 |
| 6 | 2185 | 54.00 |
| 7 | Total | =SUM(B2:B5) |
Cell B7 holds the formula shown. Click a total and read its range: this one stops at row 5, so the invoice in row 6 is left out.
Task 2Add the figures two ways4 questions
Task 3Show the formulas2 questions