Chapter 1. Understanding Excel Worksheets (Spreadsheets)

In this chapter

• Understanding the structure and function of worksheets.

• Examining Excel's workbook model.

• Arranging data entries in columns , rows, and cells .

• Using cell addresses to determine the location of cells.

• Using formulas and functions to perform mathematical operations on the values in a worksheet.

• Charting data with graphs to make it more understandable.

Excel is an application that is commonly known as a spreadsheet program or spreadsheet application . As such, Excel enables you to use your computer to create automated accounting sheets, called worksheets or spreadsheets , on which you can enter text, dates, values, and other entries. ("Worksheet" is Excel's name for a spreadsheet , so from now on, to avoid confusion, we will refer to spreadsheets as worksheets.) The worksheet aligns your entries in rows and columns, and enables you to enter formulas that perform calculations using the entries you type. In this chapter, you learn more about Excel worksheets and the various tools Excel provides to help you create and manage your worksheets.