I've been learning What-If Analysis with data tables. Data tables strike me
as an overcomplicated and contrived method of doing something that could be
done much more easily and naturally without this 'feature'.

In both 1 or 2-variable tables you wind up with a value or values (where
your formula(s) are entered) that seem out-of-place or spurious, formatting
seems less than desirable and requires thought, and you've got to go
through--and remember each time--certain steps to get it all right. (see:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...726561033.aspx )

Why not just enter your non-calculated values somewhere, then Auto Fill your
variable(s) and formula(s) however you like, wherever you want, and without
having to remember any wacky procedure?

What am I missing?

SimiusLive -

The AutoFill (or copy and paste) may work fine for a single formula or even
a multi-row single-column model. But when you have a multi-row multi-column
model, e.g., a cash flow multi-period model with an NPV output formula, the
Data Table feature is very useful for sensitivity analysis.

I usually use a ";;;" custom format for the cell containing the formula for
the data table output.

For another set of instructions for using data tables for sensitivity
analysis, see my "Sensitivity Analysis Using Excel" chapter, downloadable
from the Chapters page at www.treeplan.com.

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



"SimiusLive" wrote in message
...
I've been learning What-If Analysis with data tables. Data tables strike
me
as an overcomplicated and contrived method of doing something that could
be
done much more easily and naturally without this 'feature'.

In both 1 or 2-variable tables you wind up with a value or values (where
your formula(s) are entered) that seem out-of-place or spurious,
formatting
seems less than desirable and requires thought, and you've got to go
through--and remember each time--certain steps to get it all right. (see:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...726561033.aspx )

Why not just enter your non-calculated values somewhere, then Auto Fill
your
variable(s) and formula(s) however you like, wherever you want, and
without
having to remember any wacky procedure?

What am I missing?