Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet software is used for data modelling applications such as financial budget
sheets because they are very good at supporting the trying out of many different types
of data as ‘what-if’ scenarios.

Features of spreadsheet software

• Sheets and Workbooks – a file is known as a work book and within it are many sheets that
can be used (just like your maths exercise book)
• Columns and Rows – The spreadsheet grid are made up of lots of cells, the vertical line of
cells are called columns and the horizontal line of cells are called rows.

Cell reference
(name)

Rows

Active Cell Columns

(highlighted cell)

• Format Cells – Cells can be formatted so that they display information in a

particular way. The most popular format is Currency that insures that all
information shows the currency symbol chosen.

Number format

Currency format

• Formula – very powerful spreadsheet facility because they automatically

recalculate a new result each time the data is changed in the spreadsheet.

• Functions – are named, ready-made calculations that we can use as part of our formulas.
 • Replication - is when you copy the contents of a cell (which contains a formula)
to other cells down a row or column. (you can either use copy and paste or drag
the small square in the bottom of the active cell)
Notice the cursor changes to a small cross when you place it
over the black square in the bottom right-hand corner of the
active cell

By holding the left mouse button down and

dragging the selection over the cells you
choose you can see how it will replicate the
list – guessing the next entries.

When you release the left mouse button it

fills the cells with the replicated information
– this will also work for copying formula

Task
This is a spreadsheet of the money that Kathryn has spent in one week.

Question Answer
Identify the cell that gives the total bus
fares
[1]

Give two ways that the amounts shown in 1.

columns C and D could be made easier to
understand.
[2] 2.

Describe how this could be done.

[2]

Write a suitable formula to be put into cell

D15 to calculate the total amount spent.
[2]
A paint shop owner uses a spreadsheet to keep a record of paint sold over one year.

Question Answer

Cell C3 contains a formula to work out the

cost of paint per month. Describe a quick
way of putting a similar formula into cells
C4 to C14
[2]

Describe how a chart or graph could be

produced to show the number of tins sold
each month.
[3]

The table shows part of a spreadsheet file

 Question Answer
Give the cell reference that contains the
cost of the stapler
[1]
Give the cell reference of one cell
containing numeric data
[1]
Identify a column that contains data that
is left justified
[1]
Identify one column that should be
formatted as currency
[1]
Give one advantage of entering just ‘Y’ or
‘N’ in the ‘In Stock(Y/N)’ column rather
that the full words ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
[1]

A spreadsheet is used to process data about average rainfall over two years.
 Question Answer
State one better heading that should be
included in cells B2 or C2 to make the data
in the spreadsheet more understandable
[1]
State one reason why it would not be
sensible to calculate the total of column D
[1]

The table shows a spreadsheet

Question Answer
Identify the row which contains
information about monitors
[1]
Give the cell that contains £40.00
[1]
Give the title of one of the columns
[1]
Give a cell that is left justified
[1]
The £ symbol is not typed in but appears
on the spreadsheet. Give one reason why it
appears
[1]