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
![Inserting rows and columns in a spreadsheet](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2024/06/64524_inserting-rows-and-columns.webp)
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
![screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-45-03](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2023/05/screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-45-03.png)
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
![screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-45-53](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2023/05/screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-45-53.png)
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
![screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-47-44](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2023/05/screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-47-44.png)
Use absolute references when you want the same cell referenced and use relative references when you want the reference to change
![Animation of absolute cell referencing](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2024/06/11352_absolute-cell-referencing.webp)
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
![screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-48-39](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2023/05/screenshot-2023-05-24-at-08-48-39.png)
Worked Example
Tawara school has a shop that sells items needed by pupils in school. Part of a spreadsheet with details of the items is shown.
![screenshot-2023-05-24-at-10-51-11](https://cdn.savemyexams.com/cdn-cgi/image/f=auto,width=3840/https://cdn.savemyexams.com/uploads/2023/05/screenshot-2023-05-24-at-10-51-11.png)
a. Write down the number of rows that are shown in the spreadsheet that contain text.
[1]
6 rows [1]
b. Write down the number of columns that are shown in the spreadsheet that contain text.
[1]
8 columns [1]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you know which way round rows and columns are - rows go across and columns go down
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