Spreadsheet programmes
Markus notices that job ads often state that applicants
should know how to use spreadsheet programmes.
A spreadsheet is document in which data is arranged in rows and columns.
Markus knows these programmes but has never used them.
He doesn’t know what he can do with these programmes.
Don’t worry, Markus!
We'll have a look at spreadsheet programmes together.
Spreadsheet programmes are software. You use them to process data.
For example: data management and data analyses.
An example for date management is a contact list for clients.
An example for data analyses is a chart, this is a graphic representation of data.
Examples of spreadsheet programmes are: • Excel from Microsoft
• Numbers from Apple • Calc from Libre Office
• Google Spreadsheets from Google
What can you do with spreadsheet programmes? Some examples:
• Simple tables • Calculations with formula and functions.
• Logical functions (for example: IF-functions)
Here is an example of an IF-function: There is a list with test results.
The first column shows the names of the persons.
The second column shows how many points did the person achieve in the exam?
In the third column, I add an IF-function:
If the person has more than 50 points:
The programme should show the word “passed”.
If the person has less than 50 points:
The programme should show the word “failed”.
• Charts and other graphics • Sorting, grouping and filtering data
What tasks can I use spreadsheet programmes for:
• Writing a bill • Calculating and presenting statistics
• Bookkeeping
• Solving mathematical tasks • Address management
• Financial planning • Sales overview
What does a spreadsheet programme look like?
You open the programme. You see an interface: the worksheet.
Every sheet consists of cells. A cells looks like a rectangular field.
The cells are divided into: Columns: from the left to the right.
Rows: from the bottom to the top.
Columns are labelled with letters: A, B, C,… Rows with numbers: 1, 2, 3,…
Every cell has a unique name, consisting of a letter and a number.
You can enter data into cells. Data are text or numbers.
You can add formulas to cells.
A formula means: The programme calculates something.
For example: I have selected several cells with numbers.
What is the sum of all these numbers?
You can also use functions. A function is a pre-set formula.
If you want to use a calculation or a function, write the following:
• At the beginning: an equals sign (=)
• Then: the name of the function in capital letters: SUM
• Then: the function should be used in a particular cell.
Write the name of this cell (letter and number) in brackets.
For example: = SUM(B4;A7)
The computer will then calculate the formula.
The most important calculations and functions are:
• Adding numbers • Counting contents
• Recognising the highest or the lowest value
• Calculating the average • Logical functions
To analyse statistics, you can represent the results of a statistic as a graph.
There are different ways. For example: bar chart, pie chart,...
A chart is like a picture for data. It makes data easier to understand.
There are online spreadsheet programmes. They are stored on cloud servers.
That means that many people can work on the document at the same time.
Markus is surprised.
He didn’t know that spreadsheet programmes are very useful.