Determining the rate at which a value increases or decreases over a specific period, within a spreadsheet application, enables observation and analysis of data trends. For example, one might use a spreadsheet program to compute the percentage growth of sales figures from one quarter to the next, or the decline in inventory levels over a month.
This functionality is important for financial analysis, project management, and scientific research, facilitating data-driven decision-making. Historically, such calculations were performed manually, a time-consuming and error-prone process. Modern spreadsheet software automates this process, increasing efficiency and accuracy in data analysis. The capability to easily compute and visualize such changes allows for prompt identification of noteworthy patterns.
