What is a Spreadsheet?
A spreadsheet is a piece of software for handling and manipulating numbers. You can write numbers down on a piece of paper and add them up. Like this: 23 12 10 45 = But that’s not a spreadsheet. However, if you bought Microsoft Excel and entered the same numbers into the software, you’d have a spreadsheet. The best part about a spreadsheet is – you don’t have to do any adding up yourself! The programme will add the numbers up for you. A spreadsheet doesn’t only add up, of course. It can do a whole lot more besides simple arithmetic. It can handle financial calculations, statistical information, and do complex trigonometry. And it can make a pretty graph for you. At it’s heart, though, a spreadsheet is just a glorified calculator. The main point of using a spreadsheet is do some number crunching. The software will puzzle out the answers to sums for you, and save you a lot of time and effort carrying sevens and trying to remember what eight multiplied by six is.
In the realm of accounting jargon a “spread sheet” or spreadsheet was and is a large sheet of paper with columns and rows that organizes data about transactions for a business person to examine. It spreads or shows all of the costs, income, taxes, and other related data on a single sheet of paper for a manager to examine when making a decision. An electronic spreadsheet organizes information into software defined columns and rows. The data can then be “added up” by a formula to give a total or sum. The spreadsheet program summarizes information from many paper sources in one place and presents the information in a format to help a decision maker see the financial “big picture” for the company. Beginnings and the “Tale of VisiCalc” In 1961, Professor Richard Mattessich pioneered the development of computerized speadsheets for use in business accounting. Some historical information on the computerization of accounting spread sheets using mainframe computers is discussed on Mattessich’s w
A spreadsheet, also known as a worksheet, contains rows and columns and is used to record and compare numerical or financial data. Originally, spreadsheets only existed in paper format, but now they are most likely created and maintained through a software program that displays the numerical information in rows and columns. Spreadsheets can be used in any area or field that works with numbers and are commonly found in the accounting, budgeting, sales forecasting, financial analysis, and scientific fields. Computerized spreadsheets mimic a paper spreadsheet. The advantage of using computerized spreadsheets is their ability to update data and perform automatic calculations extremely quickly. On a computerized spreadsheet, the intersection of a row and a column is called a cell. Rows are generally identified by numbers – 1, 2, 3, and so on – and columns are identified by letters, such as A, B, C, and so on. The cell is a combination of a letter and a number to identify a particular locati
A spreadsheet (or spreadsheet program) is software that permits numerical data to be used and to perform automatic calculations on numbers contained in a table. It is also possible to automate complex calculations by using a large number of parameters and by creating tables called worksheets. In addition, spreadsheets can also easily produce graphic representations of the data entered: • histograms • curves • sector charts • … Therefore, the spreadsheet is a multi-use tool that works as well for secretarial activities that involve organising large quantities of data, as at the strategic and decisional level by creating graphical representation of synthesised information.
A spreadsheet is a grid that organizes data into columns and rows. Spreadsheets make it easy to display information, and people can insert formulas to work with the data. For example, there is a particular icon that has a formula to sum up numbers that are given. This icon is called auto sum. Information can also be sorted and filtered. People use spreadsheet programs to learn about different kinds of things, and to make decisions. Spreadsheets are based on different varieties of subjects. This site will highlight the use of spreadsheets in the classroom. You will find ideas for every subject. On this website, we will be using Microsoft Excel.
