Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets

1. Cells

   • Always starts with a letter and ends with a number
   • A set of cells in a column or a row, is a range of cells
   • Data in cells, can be different types eg number text etc
   • Each cell can contain...
     • Labels
       • Text that describes data
     • Data
       • Any values, that are entered for the use of calculation
     • Formulas and Functions
       • Mathematical calculations, carried out automatically

2. Formulas

   • Must start with an =
   • Formulas perform calculations on cell contents
   • They appear in the formula bar
   • The result of a formula is automatically recalculated every time that data in the spreadsheet changes
   • 4 main mathematical operations
     • Add (+)
     • Subtract (-)
     • Multiply (*)
     • Divide (/)

3. Functions

   • Must start with an =
   • Describes what a function can do (Sum, count, average, min, max, if)
   • Specialised calculations built into the spreadsheet software.

4. Formatting

   • The data in a cell can b formatted eg font size, style, colour etc
   • Multiple cells can be merged into one cell
   • Cells are often formatted to reflect the data held in them

5. Benefits

   • Automatic Recalculation
     • Every time the content of a cell is changed, calculations are performed and other cells are updated
   • Accurate Calculations
     • If the formulas have been set up correctly, they will produce an accurate calculation
   • Graphs and Charts
     • Can be used to represent data
   • Replication
     • Once the first formula is correctly entered, it is possible to drag across to adjacent cells in a row or column so the computer copies the pattern of the calculation
   • What if calculations
     • Changing the data in a spreadsheet model allows you to make and test predictions. they allow you to see what could happen if certain figures are changed in a spreadsheet.

6. Graphs and charts

   • Using graphs and charts allows us to see trends more easily
   • Different graphs and charts can be used to display different data
     • Bar Chart
       • To compare values
     • Pie Chart
       • To show how a total is divided among a number of different categories
     • Line Graph
       • Display trends