Introduction to Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets)Spreadsheets FundamentalsGetting Started

Introduction to Spreadsheets

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Introduction to Spreadsheets

Welcome to the world of spreadsheets! Whether you use Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another tool, spreadsheets are one of the most powerful ways to organize and analyze data.

What is a Spreadsheet?

A spreadsheet is a digital table made up of rows and columns. Each intersection of a row and column creates a cell where you can enter data.

Think of it like a very organized grid where you can store:

  • Numbers (prices, quantities, dates)
  • Text (names, descriptions, categories)
  • Calculations and summaries

    Why Learn Spreadsheets?

    Spreadsheets are everywhere in the professional world:

    - Finance: Budgets, expense tracking, financial reports

  • Sales: Customer lists, sales tracking, revenue analysis
  • HR: Employee records, payroll, schedules
  • Marketing: Campaign data, performance metrics
  • Personal: Budgets, trip planning, inventory

    Key Concepts

    Workbook

A workbook is your entire spreadsheet file. It can contain multiple sheets (tabs at the bottom).

Sheet

A single page within a workbook. Each sheet has its own grid of cells.

Cell

The basic unit where data lives. Referenced by column letter + row number (e.g., A1, B5, C10).

Column

A vertical stack of cells, labeled with letters (A, B, C...).

Row

A horizontal line of cells, labeled with numbers (1, 2, 3...).

What You'll Learn

In this track, you'll master:

  • Data entry and organization - Get data into your spreadsheet cleanly
  • Formatting - Make numbers readable (currency, percentages, dates)
  • Sorting and filtering - Find what you need quickly
  • Data cleaning - Fix messy data
  • Summaries and analysis - Turn data into insights
  • Charts - Visualize your data

    Let's get started!

  • Key Takeaways

    Learn what spreadsheets are and why they are essential for working with data.

    Ready to practice? Click "Mark Complete" and move to the next lesson to apply what you've learned.

    Lesson 1 of 2 in Getting Started