Cells, Rows and Columns
A spreadsheet is used to enter data and calculate with it. We learn what columns, rows, cells and ranges are, and how a cell address is written.
All topics (1 of 11)
Chapter 1. Spreadsheets
Chapter 2. Databases
Chapter 3. Computer Networks and the Web
Chapter 4. Number Systems
A spreadsheet is a program for entering, calculating and analyzing data in table form. The best known are Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets. A spreadsheet file is called a workbook, and it can contain several sheets.
A sheet is made of columns and rows. Columns are labeled with Latin letters (A, B, C …) and rows with numbers (1, 2, 3 …). The place where a column and a row cross is called a cell. Every cell has an address made of the column letter and the row number, for example B3.
Several neighboring cells form a range. Its address is written with a colon between the first and the last cell: the range A1:C5 includes all cells from A1 to C5. The cell that is currently selected is called the active cell, and data is entered into it.
A cell can hold text, a number, a date or a formula. Text is usually aligned to the left of the cell and numbers to the right, which helps you tell the data type at a glance. Pressing Enter confirms the entry, while Esc cancels it.
Key takeaways
- A spreadsheet is used to enter, calculate and analyze data.
- Columns are labeled with letters and rows with numbers.
- A cell address is the column letter plus the row number (for example, B3).
- A range is written like this:
A1:C5. - Text is usually aligned left and numbers right.
Practice tasks
- Open a spreadsheet program and enter your name in cell A1 and your age in cell B1.
- In cells A1 to C4, build a small table with your classmates’ names, a subject and a grade, then adjust the column widths to fit the text.
- Write in your notebook: in which column and row is cell D2? How many cells are in the range
B1:B4? Check your answers in the program.
Review questions
Test yourself: think first, then reveal the answer.
1How is a cell address written?Show answerHide answer
With the column letter and the row number, for example C5.2How many cells are in the range A1:C5?Show answerHide answer
15: 3 columns and 5 rows.3What is a workbook?Show answerHide answer
A spreadsheet file; it can contain several sheets.
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