Module 5 – Spreadsheets

Lesson 1 – Spreadsheet Basics

Spreadsheets help you work with numbers, calculations and structured lists. They are used in budgeting, accounts, planning, reports, stock control and much more.

1. Spreadsheet programs

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• LibreOffice Calc

2. Workbooks, worksheets and grid layout

• Workbook: The whole spreadsheet file.
• Worksheet: A single sheet inside a workbook.
• Rows: Numbered 1, 2, 3…
• Columns: A, B, C…
• Cell: Where a row and column meet (e.g., A1).
• Cell reference: Column letter + row number.
• Active cell: The cell currently selected.

3. Key parts of the spreadsheet window

• Title bar
• Ribbon / Toolbar
• Formula bar
• Name box
• Worksheet tabs
• Status bar

4. Data types in cells

• Text
• Numbers
• Dates
• Times
• TRUE or FALSE (logical values)

5. Selecting cells and ranges

• Click → Select one cell.
• Click + drag → Select a range.
• Ctrl + click → Select separate cells.
• Click row number → Select whole row.
• Click column letter → Select whole column.

6. Entering and editing data

• Type directly into a cell.
• Enter → moves down.
• Tab → moves right.
• Double-click a cell → Edit inside the cell.
• Edit using the Formula bar.
• Delete clears a cell.

7. AutoFill and series

• Use the Fill Handle (small square at cell corner) to copy data.
• Drag down to create month sequences (January, February…).
• Drag numbers (1, 2, 3) to create a number sequence.
• Copy formulas across rows or columns.

8. Good data practice

• Use clear column headings.
• Avoid blank rows inside your data.
• Keep one type of data per column.
• Avoid merged cells inside data tables.

9. Saving and file types

• .xlsx – standard Excel file.
• .ods – OpenDocument spreadsheet.
• .csv – plain text data file (no formatting).

10. Practical Activity

1. Create a new workbook.
2. Add headings: Month, Units Sold, Unit Price.
3. Enter 6 months of data.
4. Use AutoFill for the months.
5. Save as ICDL_Spreadsheet_Lesson1.xlsx.