My Rules for Using Spreadsheets

Dr. Drang explains his fundamental rule against using spreadsheets, citing experiences analyzing dozens of data sets sent as Excel files by engineering firms that contained complex, inconsistent, and hard-to-follow formulas. While acknowledging spreadsheets' appeal as convenient data containers, logic machines, and presentation tools, he argues their ease of use can lead to problems when formulas become convoluted and difficult to audit. The post explores both the attractions and pitfalls of spreadsheet use based on his professional experience.