"I often run into situations that I need to use the Windows Calculator while working in Excel 2007. This is mainly due to needing to run some figures while not wanting to modify the existing spreadsheet. Is their any quick way to access the calculator short of having a shortcut on the desktop or going through the Start menu?"

I find that it is very handy to add the Calculator to the Excel 2007 Quick Access Toolbar so that it is a simple click away instead of using the normal method of opening the program.

To add Calculator to the Quick Access Toolbar, simply follow these steps:

• Open Excel 2007 and go to the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the window.
  
• Click the downward pointing arrow to the right of this toolbar and select More Commands.
• From the dropdown menu, select Commands Not in the Ribbon.
• Select Calculator from the list and click the Add button.
  You will see it appear in the list on the right side.
  
• Click OK.
  The Calculator icon will now appear in your Quick Access Toolbar. Now you can easily open it when you need it.

I hope this helps; This could be very useful for...

• "online assessments" using a 'self Marking' Excel questionnaire.
• Accounting/Business/Science/Mathematics/Engineerin/etc learners.