Create & Edit a Spreadsheet (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT): Revision Note

Create and edit a spreadsheet

What is a spreadsheet?

• A spreadsheet is a piece of software used to analyse, visualise and manipulate data

• A spreadsheet is made up of cells, rows and columns

• A cell is one box on the spreadsheet and is referenced using its cell reference (e.g. A1)

• A row goes across and is referenced using the number down the side

• A column goes down and is referenced using the letter at the top

Inserting and deleting cells, rows, and columns

• You can alter the structure of a spreadsheet by inserting or deleting cells, rows, and columns

• This flexibility allows you to manage and organise your data effectively

Merging cells

• Merging cells combines two or more cells into one larger cell

• This is useful for creating headers or titles that span across multiple columns

Creating formulae using cell references

• Formulae allow you to perform calculations on your data

• You can reference specific cells in your formulae to make them dynamic and adaptable

Replicating formulae using absolute and relative cell references

• Absolute cell references ($A$1) stay constant, while relative cell references (A1) change when you copy or drag a formula

• Use absolute references when you want the same cell referenced and use relative references when you want the reference to change

Use of arithmetic operators in formulae

• Arithmetic operators allow you to perform basic mathematical operations in your formulae: add (+), subtract (-), multiply (*), divide (/), and indices (^)

• More information about formulae can be found on the formulae revision note

Using named cells and named ranges

• Named cells:

  • Easily refer to a group of adjoining cells
    

  • Shortens/simplifies formulae
    

  • Enables referring to a group of cells without having to lookup cell references
    

  • Don’t have to re-set the absolute referencing manually