Example of a Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets make it possible for the user to view and manipulate data in a variety of ways. The basic spreadsheet layout consists of columns and rows into which data is entered. Data entered into a spreadsheet is either text, which has no numeric value; numbers; date and time; logical (true/false) values; or formulas which return a value.

Spreadsheet Components

Spreadsheets are divided into columns and rows. The point at which those columns and rows intersect is referred to as a "cell." Cells are the most common component of a spreadsheet. In addition to cells, there are menus that provide options to manipulate the spreadsheet to perform specific functions. Toolbars include buttons that perform some of the same functions as those found in the menu. Scrollbars, located on the right side and at the bottom of the spreadsheet are a means of maneuvering to other parts of the spreadsheet.

Columns

Columns on spreadsheets are always designated by letters. Across the top of the spreadsheet columns are arranged alphabetically. When making reference to a location on a spreadsheet, the column letter along with the row number is used. This is called a "cell address."

Rows

Down the left side of the spreadsheet are numbers. These numbers are the row addresses. Row addresses are used in conjunction with column letters to refer to a specific location on the spreadsheet. Cell address references must be stated specifically by column letter and row number in order to avoid syntax and reference errors when formulas are entered.

Cells

Cells are the place on the spreadsheet where information is entered and stored. Formulas are generally entered using the formula bar, and the results are displayed in the active cell. A cell can be active or inactive. An active cell is the cell in which the cursor is located when the formula is typed. An inactive cell refers to any cell on the spreadsheet that is not active.

Formula Bar

The formula bar is the location where information which will be displayed on the spreadsheet is entered. Formulas must be entered using a specific structure referred to as "syntax." Formulas that are entered improperly will display a "syntax error" message in the cell.

Workbooks

A workbook is the term used for group of spreadsheets stored in a single file. Workbooks are convenient for the user to categorize spreadsheets. For instance, quarterly reports can be broken down by month and stored in a single workbook. This makes it simple to transfer data from one month to another without opening a separate file.

Resources

• Syntax