Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets

1. A spreadsheet application such as Excel can store all its data in a single file (with an .xls extension). This file is called a 'workbook'.

2. A workbook is made up of one or more 'worksheets'. A worksheet is a single tab in the spreadsheet workbook.

3. -Labels – any text in a cell describing the data in a row or column(titles, headings that identify data) -Data – any values (text or numbers) that are entered for the use of calculation -Formulas and functions – mathematical calculations carried out automatically

4. 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.

5. Functions- Must also start with an = 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

6. ‘What if?’ calculations: Changing the data in a spreadsheet model allows you to make and test predictions. You may explore what would happen to your profit if VAT changed to 30%. These are known as what if calculations. They allow you to use a spreadsheet to see what would happen if certain figures changed in a spreadsheet.

7. Absolute cell referencing is where a reference to a cell used in a formula where, when the formula is copied to a new cell reference (cell address), the cell reference (cell address) does not change. It is glued in place by the $ character.

8. If a formula is copied by filling down, the cell references are adjusted as you drag the replication pointer down the page. This is because it uses the relative address of the cells based on their position in the worksheet.