iWork - Numbers training help needed

Hi Dean,

The last 'printed' manuals for Numbers were the Numbers '09 User Guide and the Formulas and Functions User Guide, published as searchable PDF files on the introduction of iWork '09, a software package which included Numbers, Pages and Keynote. The guides are still available here: Apple - Support - Manuals

A bit outdated (Numbers '09 was version 2.x), but the listed formulas and examples are still working, and the F&F guide gives a description, syntax, and at least one example for using each formula.

Similar information can be found in the Function Browser, which opens in the right sidebar of a Numbers document when you enter = in any cell. Double clicking a function name in the results list under a search in the browser will place that formula into the Formula Editor (which also opens when you type that =), filled with the hint lozenges showing 'what goes here' in the formula.

You can learn much about the functions by looking at a formula containing them and using the Function Browser:

Here, for example,I looked at the Regular pay calculation in E2 of the Summary table in the Employee Schedule template.

The blue selection rectangle tells me the cell containing the formula. The highlighted cell colours show me the cell used by the formula (same coloured lozenges).

There are three functions used in this formula, identified by the names in the three grey lozenges, each with a bite out of the right end (representing the opening parenthesis of the pair enclosing the arguments of that function). Clicking on the function name will highlight that function, and anything that it contains. Clicking on the small triangle to the right of the name opens a two item menu: Show in Function Browser, and Show Function as Text.

Do some exploring, do some reading, and if time and interest permit, do some experimenting.

And when you get stuck, come back and ask questions.

Regards,

Barry