For my research, spreadsheets are very useful for recording data and analysis. But I usually want to use that data in a .tex document as well.

Writing tables using LaTeX can be difficult if you have a lot of data, and editing it can be a bit of a nightmare.

One quick solution I have found is using a macro that converts a table in a spreadsheet into a LaTeX table. (A macro is a set of instructions that automate a particular task.)

An alternative to using macros is working with a spreadsheet program that supports the LaTeX file format.

Of the following three options, I have tried Calc2LaTeX. I’ve found it very easy to install and use.

Calc2LaTeX

This macro works for OpenOffice Calc. After running the macro, a dialogue box appears containing the LaTeX code. You can copy that and paste it straight into your .tex file.

• http://calc2latex.sourceforge.net/

Excel2LaTeX

This macro works for Microsoft Excel.

• http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/support/excel2latex/

Gnumeric

This is a spreadsheet program that can be used with Windows and Linux. It is possible to save a file in a number of formats including LaTeX.

• http://projects.gnome.org/gnumeric/

• For information specifically on the LaTeX file format – http://projects.gnome.org/gnumeric/doc/file-format-latex.shtml