# Scenarios

A scenario is a set of values for specified cells that Gnumeric saves and can later substitute automatically in the worksheet. Use scenarios to compare outcomes of a worksheet model using different inputs for the model. You can, for instance, add a scenario for the worst case, an average case and the record sales figures and then switch between the scenarios to perform what-if analyses.

## Adding New Scenarios

In order to add new scenarios, select tools menu and click `Scenarios->Add...'. A dialog for adding new scenarios should now appear on the screen. Each scenario on a worksheet should have a unique name that is given on the first entry box.

Changing cells determine the cells whose values are to be stored. The values are read directly from the worksheet so if you want to store values other than the current values on the worksheet then press the close button, make your changes into the sheet and re-enter the scenario tool. If changing cells contain formulas, only the current value of a formula is stored (not the formula itself). Thus, when the scenario is later shown the formula is replaced with the stored value. Also note that all changing cell references should refer to the current worksheet.

You can also store a comment about the scenario. When everything is ready press the ok button to add the new scenario.

## Doing What-If Analyses Using Scenarios

In order to perform what-if analyses with scenarios, select tools menu and click `Scenarios->View...'. To compare all scenarios at once, you can create a scenario summary report by pressing `Summary Report' button. The summary report is written into a new worksheet.

To view a scenario, select the scenario you want to show from the scenario list according to its name, and then press `Show' button. Gnumeric then updates the changing cells of the scenario with the stored values and you can see the effects on your worksheet. Switching between scenarios is easy; just select the one you want to see and press `Show'.

In order to delete a scenario, select it from the list of scenarios and press `Delete' button. If you accidentially deleted a scenario you can press cancel button to recover the changes.