Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are used for calculations, simple databaseA data store designed in an organised way, making it easier to search for the information you need. and modellingA method of predicting what might happen if different values or rules are applied to a situation..
A spreadsheet is made up of rows, columns and cells. Columns are labelled alphabetically, starting at A, and rows are labelled numerically starting at 1. Each cell has a unique cell reference. The first cell in a spreadsheet is A1, A2 is below A1, and B1 is to the right of A1. A cell can contain dataValues, typically letters or numbers., labelsA heading or description to make a spreadsheet easier to understand. and formulaA combination of symbols that indicates the chemical composition of a substance..
Formatting
The formatting options in word processors are present in spreadsheet applications. You can change the font type or font size of the text or make it bold, italicised and underlined in a cell.
Cells can be formatted too. You can change the background colour and add bordersThe edge around an object or page. to them.
Formulas and functions
Spreadsheets are perfect for performing calculations with data. To do this you need to write a formula. All formulas start with an equals sign (=). You could use a formulaA combination of symbols that indicates the chemical composition of a substance. to calculate a total. If one of the values that makes up the total changes, the total updates automatically.
More advanced formulas are called functionsA complex formula that uses existing instructions to answer a question in a spreadsheet.. These are complex formulas created for you. There are many to choose from and also specialist ones designed for particular jobs or areas of expertise.
Presenting information
Spreadsheet applications can automatically create graphs and charts to give a visual representation of your data.
Read the Spreadsheets Study Guide to learn more.