Create & Edit a Spreadsheet (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT)

Revision Note

James Woodhouse

Written by: James Woodhouse

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

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

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

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

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
  • 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

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

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

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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James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.

Lucy Kirkham

Author: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.