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Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet stores data in cells and performs and displays calculations on the data.

Spreadsheets may consist of a number of different (but related) sheets

If data is changed then automatic re-calculation of formulae occurs.
Microsoft Excel is an example of a spreadsheet package.
Spreadsheets allow the user to ....
  • add and edit data in cells
  • import data from files or other applications
  • format the data in cells (fonts, colours...etc)
  • format the type of data (dates, currency, decimal places...etc)
  • enter mathematical formulae or pre-defined functions (eg average, sum, maximum, count) into cells
  • use conditional statements - the content of a cell depends on a condition. (Eg. =IF(B3>10,"Free",£2.00)
  • sort data
  • produce graphs from the data
  • use a macro - a pre-defined sequence of  instructions

 
Spreadsheets can be used for modelling real-life situations or for 'what if?' investigations. They are often used for setting budgets for businesses.