This is an overview of what cost analysis is all about, the types of cost analyses we implement at the IRC and what kinds of questions they can answer. Watch the full Cost analysis in Excel playlist.

Spreadsheet software such as Microsoft's Excel or the Calc portion of OpenOffice allows the creation of customized worksheets tailored to specific needs for a variety of budgeting and analysis needs.

Sean Ross is a strategic adviser at 1031x.com, Investopedia contributor, and the founder and manager of Free Lances Ltd. Charlene Rhinehart is a CPA , CFE, chair of an Illinois CPA Society committee, ...