Basic Spreadsheets
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What is a spreadsheet?
- Spreadsheet applications are computer programmes that are commonly used to track, record, calculate and analyse figures, statistics or any form of data.
- Spreadsheets are useful to us if we need to easily manage large amounts of data.
Watch introduction to Excel part one
Watch introduction to Excel part two
When will I use a Spreadsheet?
Because spreadsheets are very powerful calculating and tracking tools, they have become useful in a range of activities. You might find a spreadsheet useful when:
Budgeting:
You can create a detailed budget for any situation, from household expenses to a holiday or wedding budget.
Planning:
Create financial plans, such as creating weekly meal plans, activities and tracking events.
Tracking:
Keep track of almost anything, from your calorie intake, to your time sheet for work.
Features and tools of a spreadsheet
Common Tools
Help
Use the Excel’s built in Help centre, by clicking on “File” then “Help” then clicking on “Microsoft Office Help” and typing your query into the “Help” box that will pop up. Alternately, you can click on the blue question mark in the top right hand side of the page for a shortcut to the Help box.
Spell Check
Use spell check to review your document before printing, or sharing it. Click on the “Review” tab, and then click “Spelling”. Spell check will bring up a box where you can choose to change the text or ignore it if you wish.
How to create a basic spreadsheet
How to customise basic settings
Formatting tools
Printing spreadsheets
