Data is the new currency and it is everywhere! However, data is like a diamond in the rough. Raw data needs to be processed by an analyst so that it can become valuable information. Analysts need a digital way to collect, clean and interpret data in order to answer difficult questions like "are people liking the products they buy?". Lucky for them, spreadsheet software comes to the rescue.
What is Spreadsheet Software?
A spreadsheet is a digital document that organises data in a 2D grid, columns and rows. Traditionally spreadsheets were used to record financial information but nowadays almost any data requires some form of analysis so spreadsheet software is very popular. In most applications, a spreadsheet is presented as an interactive grid made up of cells which can store data or simple formulae. An example of spreadsheet software you might be familiar with is Microsoft Excel. I use an alternative spreadsheet software to organise your computing lessons as indicated in the image below.
Glossary
Specialised software tends to come with a lot of jargon and spreadsheet software is no exception. The terms you should know are quite easy to understand. Although getting some actual practice with spreadsheet software is probably the best way to learn about these terms.
Spreadsheet | The document consisting of a number of worksheets. |
Worksheet | A single grid. |
Row | A single horizontal line in a grid. |
Column | A single vertical line in a grid. |
Cell | A single location within the grid that holds data located by row and column. |
Label | Data that is stored in the particular cell. |
Range | A selection of cells within a worksheet. |
Function | A built-in operation that can be used within the grid. |
Formula | A custom function that can be used within the grid. |
What does a user expect from Spreadsheet?
Microsoft Word is so bloated with features that it is quite challenging to make out with is really necessary. We tried to narrow it down to a digestible list of 10:
Adding rows and columns.
Numerical formatting and text wrapping.
Filtering.
Conditional formatting.
Functions and formulae.
Extend formulae down or across.
Import data.
Freeze particular row or column.
Merge columns or rows.
Inserting charts.
How many of the above can you spot in the images below?
Who needs to use Spreadsheet Software?
Spreadsheet software is typically useful for analysing numerical data or keep data organised. Teachers use this software to keep track of their students' grades or their lesson plans. Students sometimes use it to keep track of what topics they studied. Professionals in the financial sector use it to draw up reports.
An Example
We have created a spreadsheet for an annual budget for the Computing Labs at school. A partial view is available here for you to look at, but feel free to view this example in a separate tab using the link here.
This spreadsheet consists of two worksheets. In the Report there is numerical data which is displayed in the form of a bar chart. Try to explore the cells and notice what is displayed in the label or formula bar.
If you are finding a hard time exploring on your own, have a look at this short video.
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