1.2 Anatomy of a spreadsheet

Definitions

Workbook

A workbook is a spreadsheet file. By default, each workbook in Excel contains three sheets. Spreadsheet file names use .xls or .xlsx suffixes (i.e. file extension).

Worksheet

A worksheet is a single sheet in a workbook. By default, a workbook contains three worksheets.

Column

A column is a vertical block in a worksheet. Each column is identified by a letter in the column header.

Row

A row is a horizontal block in a worksheet. Each row is identified by a number in the row header.

Cell

A cell is the intersection of a column and a row. Cells are the basic building blocks of a worksheet. Each cell is assigned an address (e.g. cell reference, A1 means column A and row 1).

Range

A range is block of cells in a worksheet.

Formula

A mathematical formula that is run to compute results. Formulae are made up of standard arithmetic operations (e.g. +, -, *, /, ^).

Function

Functions are pre-constructed formulae that perform common calculations (e.g. summation and average). We can combine many functions and arithmetic operations in a single formula to carry out complex engineering computations.

Arithmetic operators

To perform basic mathematical operations, use the following arithmetic operators.

Comparison operators

We can compare two values with the following operators, the result is a logical value either TRUE or FALSE.

Spreadsheet window

Depending on the type and version of spreadsheet application you are using workbook window will contain many elements. Some of the major elements are illustrated below.