Create a Data Model
A spreadsheet is a tool where cells, formulas, and functions work together to organize, calculate, and analyse data—understanding how to reference cells correctly and write formulas that adapt to your data is what separates exam success from mistakes.
What You'll Master
- Spreadsheet Basics: Cells, rows, columns, merging, and structure
- Formulae & Functions: Writing calculations and using built-in tools like SUM, AVERAGE, IF
- Cell References: Relative vs. absolute—why they change, when to stop them changing
- Order of Operations: BIDMAS—the sequence calculations must follow
- Data Formatting: Presenting data clearly with color, currency, conditional rules
- Search & Sort: Finding, filtering, and arranging data using operators and wildcards
Spreadsheet Basics: Structure & Editing
What Is a Spreadsheet?
A spreadsheet is software that organises data in a grid of cells, each of which can hold a number, text, or formula. Think of it as a smart piece of paper where cells automatically recalculate when data changes.
Spreadsheet
A digital grid of cells organized into rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical), used to store, calculate, and analyse data. When you change one cell's value, any formula referring to that cell recalculates instantly—this is the core power of a spreadsheet.
Cells, Rows & Columns
Every position in a spreadsheet is identified by a unique address:
COLUMN (A, B, C...)
|
v
A B C
1 [ 10 | 20 | 30 ] <- ROW (numbers 1, 2, 3...)
2 [ 5 | 15 | 25 ]
3 [ 8 | 12 | 40 ]
Cell B2 contains the value 15
Cell reference = column letter + row number
Cell Reference System
Cell: One box holding a single piece of data. Identified by its column letter and row number (e.g., A1, B5, C10).
Row: All cells going across (horizontal). Numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. down the left side.
Column: All cells going down (vertical). Lettered A, B, C, etc. across the top.
Inserting & Deleting Cells, Rows & Columns
Spreadsheets are flexible. You can add or remove rows and columns at any point to reorganise your data.
Why this matters: When you delete a row or column, any formulas referring to cells in that row/column will break or show an error (usually #REF!). Plan your structure carefully.
Merging Cells
Merging combines two or more adjacent cells into one larger cell. This is commonly used for headers or titles that should span multiple columns.
Merging Cells: Common Use Case
You have columns A (Name), B (Age), C (Score) with data below.
You want a title "Student Information" that spans all three columns above the headers.
Select cells A1:C1 and merge them. Type your title. It now spans all three columns neatly.
Exam trap: Merging cells can cause problems if you try to sort data later. Examiners often ask about the consequences of merging. Know that it simplifies layout but can complicate data manipulation.
Formulae & Functions: Making Spreadsheets Calculate
What Is a Formula?
A formula is an instruction that tells the spreadsheet to perform a calculation. Every formula starts with an equals sign (=).
Two Types of Formula Input