Spreadsheet:
A worksheet is also known as spreadsheet which is an electronic sheet made up of rows and columns. It is used for planning a project or checking financial position of an organization. Spreadsheet usually refers to a computer program whereas worksheet refers to the actual document we create by using the spreadsheet program.
In other words we can say that electronic spreadsheet is a software package which accepts data in a tabular form shows data in a tabular form and serves many functions to perform calculations.
Spreadsheet Terminology
When we are working with a spreadsheet package we have to know some spreadsheet terminologies which are below:
Workbook:
A workbook is a collection of many worksheets. In a single workbook we can store information in an organized manner. By default a workbook opens with three worksheets and contains maximum of 255 worksheets.
Worksheet:
A worksheet is a sheet made up of rows and columns. It is used for planning a project or financial documents of an organization.
Chart Sheet: Chart sheet is a separate sheet in a workbook that contains only graphs or charts. It is useful when we want to see a chart or tabular data separated from other type of data.
Row: A row is a horizontal block of cells that runs through the entire width of the worksheet. The first row is 1, the second, 2 and so on. There can be a maximum of 1048576 rows in an excel 2007 worksheet.
Column: A column is a vertical block of cells that runs through the entire worksheet. A worksheet contains 16384 columns. The first columns is A, the second is B and so on until we reach Z then comes column AA through XFD. The last column of the worksheet is XFD.
Cells: A cell is the intersection of a row and a column. Example the uppermost cells is A1 means intersection of column A and row 1. Cell G9 is the intersection of column G and row 9.
Formula: Formulas are equations that perform calculations on values in our worksheet. It is an order of values, names, cell reference, functions and operators in a cell that together give new values. A formula always begins with = (equal) sign.
Function: Functions are predefined formulas that take values, perform complex calculations by using a specific value in a particular order to give a result. They are used to simplify the formulas that perform lengthy or complex calculations.
Advantages of Spreadsheet:
Many built in function do the complex calculations easily.
Large volume of data can be handled easily.
A graphical representation of data is possible. With the help of graph and charts data can be interpreted easily.
Useful information can be imported or exported from/to other software packages, such as word and power point.
If entries are changed then formulas automatically calculate the new results.
Disadvantages of Spreadsheet:
It requires very large memory of a computer to perform complicated calculations and to plot graphs.
It has limited number of rows and columns in one worksheet.
It requires skilled user because small mistake in formula will give absurd results.
Applications of Spreadsheet:
Spreadsheets are used in the following applications:
Budgeting and forecasting
Scientific research
Financial accounting
Income tax and sales tax applications
Annual reports
Portfolio analysis
Determine the break even points in sales
Sales and purchase applications
Statistical analysis of database
Job estimation and cost accounting
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