Spreadsheet

What Does Spreadsheet Mean?

A spreadsheet is a software application that enables a user to save, sort and manage data in an arranged form of rows and columns.

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A spreadsheet stores data in a tabular format as an electronic document. An electronic spreadsheet is based on and is similar to the paper-based accounting worksheet.

A spreadsheet may also be called a worksheet.

Techopedia Explains Spreadsheet

A spreadsheet is primarily designed to provide a digital form of the paper-based worksheet. Spreadsheets work through spreadsheet application software. The rows and columns within the spreadsheet contain cells that are filled with data to create unique operations. A typical spreadsheet program can have multiple functions such as:

  • Numerous rows and columns for data and values storage
  • Support for mathematical formulas and calculations
  • Data sorting and analysis
  • Multiple worksheets and their interlinking
  • Integration and visualization of data in the form of graphs and charts

Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 are among the most popular spreadsheet applications.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…