Spreadsheets for beginners

In short: In a spreadsheet (Excel, LibreOffice Calc) you enter data into cells and let the computer calculate. A formula always starts with an equals sign.

In more detail: The sheet consists of columns (A, B, C …) and rows (1, 2, 3 …). Each cell has an address such as B3. Formulas refer to cells; if a value changes, everything recalculates.

In Depth

• Formula: =A1+B1 adds two cells. =SUM(A1:A10) adds a range.
• More functions: AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT.
• Copying formulas: Drag the small square at the bottom right of the cell downwards.
• Formatting: Numbers as currency or percent, widen columns, bold headings.
• Sorting and filtering: Order data by columns or hide rows.
• Charts: Select → Insert → Chart.
• Errors: #DIV/0! means division by zero, #NAME? unknown function name.

See also: Writing and formatting text, Saving a file and finding it again