Basically, spreadsheets maintain values (and capabilities) in cells; a cell is the intersection of a selected row and a selected column. Databases maintain values in information; you’ll be able to consider a document as a row of cells in an outlined desk of rows and columns.
To get the impact you need in Numbers or Excel or Calc, your references have to be cell-to-cell, reasonably than rows referenced/associated to one another by some shared identifier. And a vital side is that, in contrast to what’s doable with databases, spreadsheet cell references are one-way. A reference in cell X to indicate the worth in cell Y doesn’t will let you modify cell Y by altering cell X – as an alternative in the event you change cell X, you break its reference to cell Y.
If in Sheet 1 you need a row to indicate values from a row in Sheet 2, probably the most primary method in spreadsheets is to have a components in every cell within the row of Sheet 1 that references the cell within the row of Sheet 2 whose worth you need.
Happily Numbers and the opposite spreadsheet apps present methods to keep away from tediously typing formulation in a number of cells. In Numbers check out the menu command Desk -> Autofill Cells. Upon getting the primary cell in Sheet 1 accurately displaying the cell worth you need from Sheet 2, you’ll be able to lengthen the reference throughout the row. There will likely be a studying curve about cell references, together with use or avoidance of the greenback signal (‘$’) in the event you’re not already aware of that.
It is doable to construct complicated interactive purposes in Numbers or different spreadsheets, involving a number of recordsdata with a number of worksheets. However the work is kind of completely different intimately from that for databases. And a few options don’t straight translate throughout the 2 approaches.
I do not imply to discourage you from trying to get that you really want from Numbers. In case your function is to have a single editable place for every little bit of uncooked information, with the remainder of the spreadsheet offering summaries or calculations from that information, you are good.
For instance, to estimate the prices of a mailing, I keep worth tables for components corresponding to graphic designers, print outlets, mailing providers, postage charges, and so on., which range by amount & format. Every value issue’s worth desk is by itself sheet. Then on an Estimate sheet, I’ve cells wherein I enter a amount, and cells with formulation that multiply that amount by the suitable prices within the assorted worth tables, and likewise cells that add these all as much as the entire prices for the mailing.