Spreadsheet Vocabulary and Task
1. Cell--the intersection of a row and a column on a spreadsheet in which data can be entered.
2. Cell Address--the location of a cell on a spreadsheet, (identified by the column letter, followed by
the row number, example: A1, B4).
3. Column--the vertical divisions of a spreadsheet. Columns are labeled alphabetically.
4. Data Entry Bar--the bar at the top of the spreadsheet used to enter data into the cell that you
have chosen.
5. Enter--to type in or record data in a spreadsheet.
6. Formula--a type of information that can be entered into a spreadsheet cell. It is a mathematical
statement, which begins with an equal sign (=) that tells the computer to perform a calculation.
7. Function--a shortcut for the most common mathematical calculations used in a spreadsheet. (Ex:
SUM will add all numbers in a range, AVG will average all numbers in a range.)
8. Graphs--Charts that represent data (Ex: Pie, Bar, Line).
9. Graphing--feature in a software program that allows numerical data to be interpreted as a graph
or chart.
10. Grid--a blank set-up of rows and columns in a spreadsheet for data to be entered on.
11. Label--text, symbol, date or number NOT used in calculations in a spreadsheet. Often it will label
a column or row.
12. Range--a block of cells on a spreadsheet.
13. Row--the horizontal divisions of a spreadsheet. Rows are labelled with numbers.
14. Spreadsheet--an application program that arranges data into columns and rows. It is usually used
to work with numbers for calculating, forecasting, evaluating, or presenting information. One of
the main uses of spreadsheets is to answer WHAT IF... questions (forecast or predict). Three types
of data that can be entered into a spreadsheet are values, labels, and formulas.
15. Value--a number that is entered into a spreadsheet and used for calculations.
Source: http://its.guilford.k12.nc.us/resource/techinstruct/ssvocab.htm
More Vocabulary
16. Active Cell--Cell into which any text or numbers that are entered will be placed.
17. Chart--A graph based on selected cells in a spreadsheet. There are many types of charts.
18. Numbers--Constant values in a cell. Numbers can consist only of the characters 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
_ + / . E and e. If a numerical entry is too large for the physical viewing size of a cell, or if the result
of a formula is too large you may see a group of "#"symbols, e.g. ##########. Make the column
larger to see the full number by dragging the right column line. Or you may see a scientific
number, e.g. 23423E+11 instead of the 234234234234 that you entered.
19. Numerical formats--The way that the numbers appear in the cell(s). Formatting choices include
currency (adds a $ and two decimals to all numbers), percentage (adds a % and in a formula
automatically treats as part of 1, e.g. 86% will be treated as 0.86), and the number of decimal
points to show.
20. Referenced Cell--A cell that is included in a formula in another cell. This cell may be in the same
worksheet, another worksheet in the same workbook, or in another workbook.
21. Text--Any non-numerical entries (Can be numbers if their entry is preceded by an apostrophe (')).
Text entries will be visible across other columns if these columns are empty.
22. Workbook--Collection of related spreadsheets that are saved as one file.
23. Worksheet--One spreadsheet in a workbook.
Source: http://dlthede.net/Informatics/Chap11/Vocabulary.html
24. Auto sum--A formula that will add up a column of numbers.
25. Fill--To fill a cell with colour using the paint bucket tool.
26. Fill handle--The dot at the bottom of each cell while it is active.
27. Filter--The procedure to select certain information in a spreadsheet.
28. Selecting--To highlight a set of cells.
29. Sheet--One page of a worksheet.
30. Sheet tabs--Tabs that identify the worksheets in a workbook.
Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110054/vocab.html
TASK:
Using a Spreadsheet to Run a Business
Scenario 1
You have decided to become rich by opening a computer supplies shop in the school.
You want to use a classroom to sell items like disks, CDs and ink cartridges at
lunchtime. The school has agreed to allow you to do this but they want you to pay
them £50 per week to rent the classroom!
You have decided that the business will only be worth your while if you manage to
make £40 per week.
1. Open the file called ComputerSuppliesShop.xls and enter the sales figures for
your first week's business, as follows:
2. Answer the following questions:
 What is the state of your business?
 What is your most popular product?
 What is your least popular product?
 What is the most profitable product?
 What is the least profitable product?
 What is your busiest day of the week?
 What is the quietest day of the week?
 Why is the most popular product not the most profitable product?
 What does the spreadsheet tell you when you make less than £40?
 What does the spreadsheet tell you when you make less than nothing?
3. Spreadsheets can be used to answer "What if . . ." questions. Try using the
spreadsheet to answer these questions:
 What would happen if you got a bulk order for 20 colour ink cartridges on
Monday?
 What would happen to your business if the school raised your rent to £100?
 What would happen if the price of disk pouches increased to £1.00?
4. If you were running a computer supplies shop, do you think this spreadsheet
would be helpful to you? If so, why?
Source: http://www.thekjs.essex.sch.uk/yates/ks3.htm#spreadsheets