Explain the purpose of a spreadsheet

Definition of spreadsheet: a spreadsheet is a table comprises of cells (rows, column locations) that embrace accounting or financial
data and simulates the traditional physical spreadsheet;

it captures, exhibits and manipulates data.

Spreadsheet

A number-related document or file whereby calculations and principles are applied to the data set up in rows and columns of cells.

A spreadsheet is a document or files that stores data in a network of parallel rows and upright columns. Rows are typically labeled using numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.), while columns are labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc). Individual row/column locations, such as C4 or B10, are referred to as cells. Every cell can store a single type of data. Information can be stored in a more organized way than using plain text. The row/column arrangement also permits the data to be examined using formulae and calculations.

For example, every row of a spreadsheet may store information about an individual who goes to a particular school. Each column may store a different side of the person’s information, such as the first name, last name, address, phone number, parents’ information, etc. The spreadsheet software can examine this data by counting the number of children who live in a certain area, listing all the children grades for a certain term etc… In this way, a spreadsheet is just like to a database system.

Spreadsheets are valuable for dealing with numbers. Hence spreadsheets are popular in technical and financial purposes. For instance, a spreadsheet may store credit union account data, including balance and information on shares.

The most popular spreadsheet application is Microsoft Excel, but several other spreadsheet programs are obtainable including IBM, Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows etc…