At the base of each column, you’ll add a function that takes the figures and performs the most basic calculation, that is, adds them together to give a total. Select the cell at the base of the first data column. In the data bar (above the main window), type =SUM(X:Y), where X represents the first data cell in the column (in this case, C2) and Y represents the last data cell (in this case, C5). After you press Enter, the function is replaced with a figure that represents the sum of those cells. To make things easier, Calc also includes a Function Wizard, which is covered in the “Adding Some Logic” section later in this chapter. Later you’ll use more complex functions, but for the purposes of this simple spreadsheet, = SUM is adequate, and we can move on to creating a chart based on this information.
Spreadsheets are so powerful because they can take information from a range of cells
and add, subtract, average, or perform many other functions.
and add, subtract, average, or perform many other functions.
COLOR CHARTS
When you has been designed to offer a good degree of separation—in terms of hue and brightness—for colors Options to launch the main configuration dialog box, and then skip down the list of sections on the left until you get to Charts. Open the menu by clicking on the disclosure arrow, and a new color from the palette on the right. If nothing in the palette takes your fancy, click the OpenOffice.org disclosure arrow, choose Colors, and add some new colors manually. When you revisit Charts --> Default Colors, the new ones will be just a click away.
