iWork: The Missing Manual

Chapter 26. Numbers for iOS

Having to be at your Mac in order to create, access, and edit spreadsheets may seem like no big deal—after all, how often do mathematical formulas crop up in day-to-day life?

Actually, spreadsheets aren’t just for when you’re at your desk, crunching the monthly earnings and expenses, working on your tax returns, or keeping meticulous track of office supplies (although they’re great at all of the above). Spreadsheets can also help you organize and analyze everyday data, such as who’s paid his deposit for Curry Night or how many calories you have left for Friday night’s big splurge. Once you’re in the habit of using spreadsheets to make everyday tasks easier, you’ll want those spreadsheets within easy reach at all times, regardless of whether you’re on your Mac.

This chapter shows you how Numbers for iOS can help you keep track of facts, figures, and other assorted digits wherever you are, as well as how to subject your data to intense scrutiny using formulas and charts. So install the Numbers app as explained in Appendix A (Reinstalling iWork Apps on Your Mac), and then read on!

Note

Quick reminder: The images in this chapter show what Numbers for iOS looks like on an iPad. If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, the app looks a bit different on your smaller screen.

Creating a Spreadsheet

To get started with Numbers for iOS, track down the Numbers icon on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and give it a tap. The first time you launch Numbers, you see a snazzy ...