Topic 10

Topic 10

1. Cells

   • A cell reference always starts with a letter and ends with a number e.g. A5 or H28
   • A range of cells is a set of cells in a row or column
   • Data entered into cells can be different data types e.g. text, number, currency, date, percentage etc.
   • Each cell can contain
     • Formulas and functions – mathematical calculations carried out automatically
     • Data – any values (text or numbers) 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.
   • Formulas appear in the formula bar.
   • The result of a formula is automatically recalculated every time the data on a spreadsheet changes.
   • 4 main operations
     • add +
     • subtract -
     • multiply *
     • divide /

3. Functions

   • Functions are part of spreadsheet software. They are specialised calculations built in to the spreadsheet software.
   • Function name describes what a function can do SUM, COUNT, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, IF

4. Formatting

   • The content of a cell can be formatted
     • Font style, size, colour, border style, alignment, cell colour
     • Multiple cells can be merged in to one cell
   • Cells are often formatted to reflect the data that is held in them. Data types include Currency, number, real, integer (whole number), date, text

5. Replicating cells :When you position the mouse pointer in the bottom right hand corner of the cell and drag down or across the spreadsheet tries to respond intelligently. If there is a formula in the cell, the spreadsheet tries to adjust it as it goes down the page to fit in with the new position and the cells being referred to.

6. Graphs & Charts

   • Using charts/graphs allows us to notice patterns & trends more easily
   • Specific data can be selected on a spreadsheet and a chart/graph of this data can be created.
   • Bar charts – to compare values
   • Pie charts – to show how a total is divided among a number of different categories. 
   • Line graph – display trends

7. ‘What if?’ calculations: Changing the data in a spreadsheet model allows you to make and test predictions. They allow you to use a spreadsheet to see what would happen if certain figures changed in a spreadsheet.

8. Benefits

   • Automatic recalculation :Every time the content of a cell is changed, calculations are performed and other cells are updated if necessary.
   • Accurate calculations :Providing the formulas have been set up correctly, the formulas will always produce a correct calculation
   • Graphs/Charts :Can be drawn using data in selected cells.