Estimating with Excel Formulas

NOTE-- In 2000 we completely replaced MacNail with the newer Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, job costing and contract writing features. We built Goldenseal from the ground up as a standalone program, so it does not require Excel.

Custom Excel Formulas

Excel formulas can give you a lot of power. You can customize virtually anything about the MacNail construction estimating software by using them--provided that you are careful!

To create a formula:
1. Click in a cell.
2. Type an equal sign (=).
3. Click the mouse on cells to add them to the formula. (Each mouse-click enters a cell.)
4. Change any mathematical signs necessary.
NOTE: An addition sign will be inserted automatically unless you already typed in another arithmetical sign.
5. To stop building the formula: type TAB, RETURN, ENTER or an arrow key.

Formulas can be created in other ways. You can also:
* Use Copy from the EDIT menu, then Paste the formula into a new cell. All cell addresses will be adjusted, relative to the copied cell.
* Use Fill Down or Fill Right to carry similar formulas through several cells.
* Cut and then Paste a cell. The original cell references will be carried along intact. (Note the difference from Copy).
* Type in cell addresses directly (for example, =A32+A33).  
* Use the names we shipped with MacNail. Choose Paste Name from the FORMULA menu to scan through a list of names that we have already set up in MacNail ...or create your own names.

NOTE: To make it easier to find cell addresses use the Display command from the OPTIONS menu to show row and column headings.

Learning Excel's formula entering process takes some practice. It's a very powerful technique, however, and it's well worth the effort to learn.