Electronic Spread Sheet

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Electronic Spread Sheet

A spreadsheet is a sheet of paper that shows accounting or other data in rows and columns; a spreadsheet is also a computer application program that simulates a physical spreadsheet by capturing, displaying, and manipulating data arranged in rows and columns. The spreadsheet is one of the most popular uses of the personal computer.

Alternatively referred to as a worksheet, a spreadsheet is a file made of rows and columns that help sort data, arrange data easily, and calculate numerical data. What makes a spreadsheet software program unique is its ability to calculate values using mathematical formulas and the data in cells. A good example of how a spreadsheet may be utilised is creating an overview of your bank's balance.

In a spreadsheet, spaces that hold items of data are called cells. Each cell is labelled according to its placement (for example, A1, A2, A3...) and may have an absolute or relative reference to the cells around it. A spreadsheet is generally designed to hold numerical data and short text strings. Spreadsheets usually provide the ability to portray data relationships graphically. Spreadsheets generally do not offer the ability to structure and label data items as fully as a database and usually do not offer the ability to query the database. In general, a spreadsheet is a much simpler program than a database program. Some examples of spreadsheet application include: Google Sheets - (Online and free), iWork Numbers - Apple Office Suite, LibreOffice, Lotus Symphony - Spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel and OpenOffice.

MS-Excel is a popular electronic spreadsheet. When you start Excel, workbook is displayed. It is here that Excel stores all its data and allows manipulation. Watch the video lesson below

  
 

As discussed in the expository video, a workbook is a collection of individual worksheets, each of which can hold data. All actions and operations of Excel take place in the worksheet.

 
Figure: MS Excel Workbook


USES OF AN ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET

  • cash flow analysis
  • budgets
  • inventory management
  • financial planning

ADVANTAGES OF USING AN ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET

  • Easy to move copy, edit, and delete table entries.
  • Easy to format design and appearance of table.
  • Ability to perform "what-if" or sensitivity analysis by changing values to see how related entries are adjusted.
  • Easy to create charts to display relationships among values in the worksheet
  • Ability to open and use multiple spreadsheets at one time.