Spreadsheets have been helping millions of users every day for years. Many more people want to know what is a spreadsheet and how they can use it to make their personal and professional lives easier.
If you are also baffled by the question, you are not alone. There are many people who are striving to find the same answers as you. This article can be your perfect guide to finding the right answers.
Part1: What is a Spreadsheet [Overview]
A spreadsheet is a file that consists of rows and columns. These settings help users organize and arrange data effectively. A spreadsheet is usually used for tasks such as financial analysis, data tracking, budgeting, and much more.
The first name that comes to mind while thinking about what is spreadsheet is Excel sheets. In Excel, a spreadsheet is a single file with multiple worksheets to hold data in numerical and alphabetical form as well.
Rows and Columns
Rows and columns are two of the most prominent features of all spreadsheets. They come together and create a cell, range, or table. The columns are vertical portions and the rows are positioned horizontally. They can help you define the structure of your worksheet. The highlighted area represents a column in a spreadsheet.
Formulas
People who want to learn what is a spreadsheet also want to know what formulas it offers. Spreadsheets help you process data automatically to display the output in your spreadsheet. The best part about Excel is that you can type in formulas, and Excel displays the possible formula options.
Commonly Used Spreadsheet Features
When people ask what is a spreadsheet, they also want to learn all of its features. There are many useful features in a spreadsheet that can help you unlock your full potential and manage your data effectively.
Worksheets
You can use Excel to create multiple worksheets within a single workbook. This feature allows users to manage and arrange their data effectively.
Data Analysis
There are many data analysis tools in Excel, such as PivotCharts, Data Tables, Solver, and Scenario Manager, that can help you understand what is a spreadsheet and how you can use it for data analysis.
Charts and Graphs
Instead of using bland numbers, you can give people a break by using graphs and charts. They are an ideal way to present your data and make it visually appealing.
Data Validation
You can have full control over your sheet and its data with Excel. Data validation in Excel allows you to define criteria for numeric ranges, dates, formats, and more so that you can enjoy the best facilities.
Part2: Free Spreadsheet Programs
People who want to understand what is a spreadsheet also want to come across free platforms that can help them be more creative without paying. Luckily, many free platforms can help you create effective sheets without paying.
WPS Office Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet is a free creativity platform that offers many facilities, including one for spreadsheets. Millions of people use it worldwide, and you can also use it for data analysis, visualization, easy presentation of data validation, and much more. It offers seamless processes of creation, editing, saving, and sharing files.
Features
Here are some features of this platform you must consider
WPS Cloud
Online Templates
Scanning
Text Tools
PDF Tools
Easy Processing
Pros
Friendly Interface
Free Features
Easy Sharing
Cloud Storage
Cons
Slow Procession
Advertisement in the Free version
Google Sheets
Google Sheets is one of the first spreadsheet apps that comes to mind when one thinks about what is a spreadsheet. You can use a web-based or a desktop version that suits your day to day needs.
Features
Google Sheets are an ideal match for the needs of people. Here are some notable features.
Compatible Editing
Integration with Google Products
Support for File Formats
Easy Exploration
Pros
Consider these benefits before before using Google Sheets
Real Time Editing
Easy Access
Multiple-user friendly
Cons
Here are some considerable disadvantages of Google Sheets
Difficult formulas
Limited Graphics
No Spell Check Facility
Zoho Sheet
Zoho is a reliable tool for sheets. It offers free facilities to people who want to learn what is a spreadsheet and how you can use it to improve your data management and presentation.
Features
These main features can make you see what makes Zoho Special.
Auto Recalculation
Editing and Insights
Audit Management
Pros
Here are some important benefits of the Zoho spreadsheet app.
Easy Management
Apt Transactions
Multiple Currency Support
Cons
Frequent Delays
Difficulty to Use
Part 3: Examples of Using Spreadsheet
How to Create a New Spreadsheet
The only question users struggle with is not what a spreadsheet is. They also want to learn how to make a new spreadsheet. It can help you manage your data and view it in a more organized way.
Step1: Open Excel and create a new workbook. Once done, you can create a worksheet for your data.
Step 2: Once you create a workbook and rename the sheets, you can start entering your data. The data you use can be numbers, texts, and dates.
Step 3: Format the sheet according to your style. You can add color, resize the font, add borders, arrange alignment, and much more.
Save Your Spreadsheet
Step 1: Once you create your spreadsheet, you can save it to prevent losing your hard work. Click on the file option.
Step 2: Once you reach the file menu, press Save As to give your file a desired name and location
Step 3: You can browse the location options to store your file. Make sure that it is in an easily accessible place.
Step 4: You can rename your file to ensure that it can be found easily.
Part4: Get Started With WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Office is another platform that can help you achieve your productivity and create great spreadsheets. You can download WPS today and let it answer your question about what a spreadsheet is and how it can improve your productivity.
How to Download WPS Office
Now that you understand what is a spreadsheet, you can focus on what tools are best for you to create one. WPS Office is one of the best options to find an answer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can download WPS of spreadsheets and many other great features.
Step 1: Visit wps.com on your browser to download the latest version of WPS Office. This proves it takes only a few minutes. Make sure you have a stable internet connection throughout this period.
Step 2: Look for the Free Download Button and hover over it. You can find the right version of WPS Office for your system and its requirements.
Step 3: Choose the right options for yourself among the 40+ language options offered by WPS Office and click on Install Now.
Step 4: The download process may take some time. Once downloaded, you can use WPS Slides along with several other features, platforms, and programs.
Benefits of Using WPS Office
Once you learn what WPS is and how to install it, you may wonder if this is the right answer to the question of what is a spreadsheet. That is why it is important to look into the benefits of WPS Office.
Free of Cost
Light and Powerful
Rich Template Collection
Small Tool Integration
Online Support
High Compatibility
FAQs about what is a spreadsheet
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked FAQs about what is a spreadsheet.
1. Are spreadsheets hard to do?
If someone has told you that Excel is an easy tool to learn, they may not have been truthful to you. The reality is that it is a hard tool to master, especially for someone who does not have any proper eyepiece with spreadsheets.
You can learn the basics in a short time, but mastering the formulas and functions is the part where the challenges begin. It can take people a lot of time to become proficient in Excel and enjoy full benefits.
2. What are the disadvantages of spreadsheets?
Many people think that using spreadsheets is a great way to sort your data. However, the truth is that spreadsheets are not all about advantages. It also includes some disadvantages that can hinder your productivity.
Here are some of the most common disadvantages of spreadsheets.
Lack of Collaboration
Vulnerability to Errors
Manual Labor
Unfit for Remote Work
Lack of Updates
Risk of Data Loss
One must consider all these factors before considering a certain spreadsheet service for everyday use.
3. What is the difference between Excel and numbers on an iPhone?
Excel offers an extensive array of functions and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office. On the Contrary, Numbers has an intuitive interface and provides seamless integration into the iOS operating system.
Both platforms have their own pros and cons that you must consider before using either. The right knowledge about the right application can save your time and energy.
WPS Office – Your Answer to What is a Spreadsheet
This article discusses the utility of spreadsheets in detail and answers the question of what is a spreadsheet. It can help you make smart decisions to enhance your productivity, such as choosing WPS Office over other such platforms.
WPS Office suite is an all-in-one productivity platform that can help you create, view, and share spreadsheets. It is a top choice for millions of people worldwide. This product is compatible with most operating systems and can be downloaded for free by visiting WPS.com
