A spreadsheet is a computer program that can capture, display, and manipulate data arranged in rows and columns. It is a file that exists of cells in rows and columns and can help arrange, calculate, and sort data. Spreadsheets were developed as computerized analogs of paper accounting worksheets and have replaced paper-based systems throughout the business world. They are used extensively in any context where tabular lists are built, sorted, and shared.
Some key features of spreadsheets include:
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Cells: Spaces that hold items of data are called spreadsheet cells. These can be renamed to better reflect the data they hold and can be cross-referenced through row numbers and column letters.
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Worksheets: In modern spreadsheet applications, several spreadsheets, often known as worksheets or simply sheets, are gathered together to form a workbook. A workbook is physically represented by a file containing all the data for the book, the sheets, and the cells with the sheets. Worksheets are normally represented by tabs that flip between pages, each one containing one of the sheets.
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Uses: Spreadsheets are ideal for financial data, such as checking account information, budgets, taxes, transactions, billing, invoices, receipts, forecasts, and any payment system. They can also be used to create tables for personal and business usage, and to perform calculations and data analysis.
Spreadsheets are one of the most popular tools available with personal computers and are used extensively in various fields.
