Introduction to Spreadsheets Presented by Frank H. Osborne, Ph. D. © 2005 ID 2950 Technology and the Young Child

Basic Considerations A spreadsheet is basically a sheet of paper with columns and rows like you would use to keep business records.

Basic Considerations The columns and rows form a grid. Each column has a letter at the top and each row has a number at the side.

Basic Considerations Where each column and row intersect is a cell. In this picture the cursor is in cell A1.

Basic Considerations A typical computer spreadsheet has 256 rows identified as A through IV and rows. This gives a total of 16,777,216 cells. A cell contains data. Data can be –constants (numbers) –labels (such as column headings) –formulas (for calculations)

Basic Considerations Spreadsheets are useful in a variety of disciplines. These include: –business - for financial records –science - for data analysis and calculations –math - for graphing, formulas and statistics Spreadsheets are used in all disciplines where data analysis, graphs and charts are needed.

Spreadsheet Data Types Constants –Constants are numbers. Numbers may be whole numbers or decimals. –Numbers can also be currency, fractions, scientific notation, and percentages

Spreadsheet Data Types Labels –Any type of text, such as column headings or identifiers in lists. –Text can have a variety of fonts and pitch sizes. –Cells can have borders and underlines. –Cells can have different colors than the background for emphasis purposes.

Spreadsheet Data Types Formulas –Formulas are used for calculations. All formulas must begin with the equals (=) sign. –When a formula is in a cell, the spreadsheet displays the value of the formula, not the formula itself. –You can see the formula in the formula bar.

Command Menus Command menus are located on the top program line, just below the title line. The menus include File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools, Data, Window and Help

Command Menus File Menu –Contains file commands –New: makes a new workbook –Save: saves a workbook –Save As: saves file under a new name –also contains Print commands

Command Menus Edit Menu –Contains editing commands –Undo: permits to reverse a mistake –Cut, Paste: allow moving parts of a worksheet to another part of the workbook or to another file

Command Menus Insert Menu –Can insert rows, columns and extra worksheets –Allows to insert charts and graphs –Can insert pictures and graphics, diagrams and other objects

Command Menus Format Menu –Permits formatting of cells, rows, columns or entire worksheets –Formatting can be numeric, dates, text, time, currency, accounting or a variety of others

Command Menus Tools Menu –Spell checking –Cell and worksheet protection –Data analysis

Command Menus Data Menu –Sort is most commonly used –Ascending order means that the smallest item comes first and the largest is last –Descending order means that the largest is first and the smallest is last

Command Menus Window Menu –Allows you to work with multiple windows at the same time. –Windows can be different files or different parts of the same file

Command Menus Help Menu –Help menu offers help and explanations about the product –With some products, help is also available over the Internet

Some Simple Worksheets We will do some simple worksheets in class –List of school supplies –Grade book –Simple Graph

Some Simple Worksheets List of School Supplies

Some Simple Worksheets Grade Book

Some Simple Worksheets Simple Graph

The End