Introduction to Spreadsheets

Welcome to this first lesson about Spreadsheets. Start reading the content below and watch the video that follows

In this lesson, we will look at the building blocks of a spreadsheet. This will include:

• the concept of spreadsheets
• their basic structures and
• their advantages and disadvantages

WHAT IS A SPREADSHEET

Spreadsheet is a “worksheet” that is divided into rows and columns that can be used to analyze and present data.

WHAT IS AN ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET

1. Software that enables a user to create, manipulate and analyze numerical data
2. Data can be displayed in reports and charts.

WHAT IS THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF A SPREADSHEET

A spread sheet is made up of rows, columns and cells

• A range of cells is a block of one or more cells
• A cell can contain text, values or formulas
  • Text: characters or numbers not used in calculations
  • Value: numbers that can be used in calculations
  • Formulas: calculations using values and cell addresses

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AN ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET?

1. Huge size hundreds of columns and thousand of rows
2. Using of formulas: the computer can perform all calculations with greater accuracy and reliability.
3. Calculator functions: complex math equations are easy to create.
4. Easy to modify: when data is altered, formulas automatically recalculate to reflect the change.

Watch the video below