Just created a cashflow spreadsheet where I would want to offer three
scenarios. There are at least three cells that would change in value but not
the cell locations from scenario to scenario. I find that I could give it a
name but could not select more than one cell. I am a complete beginner and
could appreciate an assist. I would also ask if there is a difference
between a scenario and a 'what if'. the Excel help page mentions
'references' but the term is not understood to me. Advice sought.

Maurice -

I find that I could give it a name but could not select more than one
cell. <

In the Add Scenario dialog box, the Changing cells box is a reference edit
box, i.e., you can specify a range of cells, e.g., A1:A3, or you can specify
non-adjacent selections by separating the cell references by a comma, e.g.,
A1:A3,A5,A8.

I would also ask if there is a difference between a scenario and a 'what
if'. <

When you have a spreadsheet model with a set of input cells and an output
cell, you can perform general what-if analysis by changing the values of the
input cells, perhaps manually by typing values. Or, you can use Excel's
Scenario feature to keep track of various sets of input values. (Or, you can
further automate the process of sensitivity analysis using Excel add-ins
like Palisade's TopRank and my SensIt.)

the Excel help page mentions 'references' but the term is not understood
to me. <

A cell address, like A3, is an example of a reference. Many users have
spreadsheets with formulas and functions that refer to other cells. The
formulas and functions obtain their input values by references to those
other cells containing the input values. A generally inferior alternative is
to have the numerical values as part of the formula or function.

- Mike Middleton
http://www.DecisionToolworks.com
Decision Analysis Add-ins for Excel


"Maurice" wrote in message
...
Just created a cashflow spreadsheet where I would want to offer three
scenarios. There are at least three cells that would change in value but
not
the cell locations from scenario to scenario. I find that I could give it
a
name but could not select more than one cell. I am a complete beginner
and
could appreciate an assist. I would also ask if there is a difference
between a scenario and a 'what if'. the Excel help page mentions
'references' but the term is not understood to me. Advice sought.