What is a Spreadsheet?
A spreadsheet is a simple tool that helps you create, organize, and analyze data. From simple computations to automatic data analysis, spreadsheets can help you with a lot of your everyday tasks!
The history of recording data
Tally marks
30000 BC
For when we only had to keep count of a handful of things!
Abacus
2700 BC
Wait a minute, there are so many numbers with so many digits.
Papers
105 AD
We need to write these down, so we don't forget them.
Double entry system
1100 AD
Can we be a little more organized? Like, what if we had rules and standards?
VisiCalc
1979
Can we digitize our numbers? Computers are a thing now, right?
Excel
1985
Finally, a spreadsheet that has some graphic user interface. Wait, there are so many features!
Zoho Sheet
2006
It has all of the features, and is highly collaborative, and is free? Woah!
AI in spreadsheets!
Present
The future is now, folks.
Spreadsheet nomenclature!
Here are a few terms that are commonly used in the world of spreadsheets. We'll start with the most basic ones.
Cells
A cell in a spreadsheet is a box where you can input data. It's created by the intersection of a column and a row. That's why a cell's address is always the column header followed by the row number. For instance, the first cell is always A1.
Worksheet
These are the individual spreadsheets that make up the workbook. Every worksheet is a collection of cells.
Workbook
A collection of one or more worksheets in a single file is a workbook.
What can I do in a spreadsheet?
With a tool as versatile as the spreadsheet, the possibilities are endless. We're sure you'll explore a lot on your own, but here are a few basic tasks you can perform with the help of a spreadsheet.
Organize
You can always use spreadsheets to create and store your data structurally. You can simply click a few buttons to sort, arrange, and organize data in seconds.
Compute
You can use the functions that are readily available in a spreadsheet to carry out computations for you. These functions make your spreadsheet more of a sophisticated calculator that keeps the output updated every time you change the input.
Visualize
Create vibrant charts that can make your data easily perceivable. Spreadsheets have dedicated chart types that can be customized in almost every way!
What are spreadsheets used the most for?
While spreadsheets are extensively used for various purposes, there are a few simple instances where spreadsheets are very useful.
Creating and maintaining check lists
Simple calculations
Data Visualization
Storing and sharing data
