Microsoft KB Archive/23512

Saving Memory and Improving Calculation Speed in Multiplan PSS ID Number: Q23512 Article last modified on 01-16-1989 PSS database name: D_MPlan

3.x 4.00

MS-DOS

Question:

How can I use less memory and improve calculation speed when creating a spreadsheet with Multiplan?

Response:

Multiplan stores only the portions of the worksheet that have entries in them, rather than saving an entire rectangle of cells. If you need to make space in your spreadsheet, it is better, in terms of memory, to insert rows than to insert columns. Please see Page 274 of the “Microsoft Multiplan User’s Guide” for more information.

To save memory when formatting, do the following:


 * 1) Set the default formats to the most common format in the worksheet.
 * 2) Use the Format Cells and Format Width commands to format only the less common cell value types.
 * 3) Do not format cells that are never going to be used.
 * 4) Avoid functions and operations that refer to large areas (i.e., instead of summing an entire row, sum only the range of the actual values you want to sum).
 * 5) Place common expressions in an intermediate cell, then refer to that cell when the value is needed instead of retyping and recomputing the formula over again.
 * 6) Avoid extensive use of “Forward References.” These are references to a cell farther down or to the right (i.e., having your formulas refer to previous cells in the spreadsheet saves on calculation time). This is documented on Page 261 of the “Microsoft Multiplan User’s Guide.”
 * 7) Multiplan can take advantage of math coprocessor chips. It will use either the 8087 or the 80287. Multiplan will use the chip to automatically speed up all math routines.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1989.