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:

  • A1 refers to the cell in Column A, Row 1
  • C3 is 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+
  • B2 contains: 12
  • C3 contains: 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

Next: Entering and Formatting Data