Create & Edit a Spreadsheet (Cambridge International IGCSE ICT)

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

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

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

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

• Use absolute references when you want the same cell referenced and use relative references when you want the reference to change

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

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.

a. Write down the number of rows that are shown in the spreadsheet that contain text.

[1]

Final answer: 6 rows [1]

b. Write down the number of columns that are shown in the spreadsheet that contain text.

[1]

Final answer: 8 columns [1]

Exam Hint

• Make sure you know which way round rows and columns are - rows go across and columns go down