2. 🧩 Understanding Cells, Rows, and Columns - abacusci/book-spreadsheet-basics GitHub Wiki
Before using a spreadsheet, it’s important to understand how the table is structured. Everything in a spreadsheet is built from cells, arranged into rows and columns.
🔲 What is a Cell?
A cell is the basic unit where you enter data. It can hold:
- Text (e.g. names, labels)
- Numbers (e.g. prices, quantities)
- Dates and times
- Formulas or functions
Each cell has a unique address based on its column and row. For example:
A1refers to the cell in Column A, Row 1C3is the cell in Column C, Row 3
↕️ Columns
- Run vertically from top to bottom
- Labeled with letters: A, B, C, ..., Z, AA, AB, etc.
- Help organize data by category
Example: A = Name, B = Age, C = Grade
↔️ Rows
- Run horizontally from left to right
- Numbered: 1, 2, 3, ...
- Each row usually represents a record or entry
Example: Row 2 might contain information about one student:
John | 12 | A
📋 Quick Example Table
| A | B | C |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Age | Grade |
| John | 12 | A |
| Samantha | 13 | B+ |
B2contains:12C3contains:B+
✍️ Tip: Click and Explore
When you click a cell in your spreadsheet program, you’ll see its address in the Name Box (usually top-left) and you can start typing to enter data.
✅ What You Should Know After This Page
- You can identify columns and rows
- You know how to find a cell’s address
- You understand how a table is structured