A spreadsheet, also known as a worksheet, contains rows and columns and is used to record and compare numerical or financial data. Originally, spreadsheets only existed in paper format, but now they are most likely created and maintained through a software program that displays the numerical information in rows and columns. Spreadsheets can be used in any area or field that works with numbers and are commonly found in the accounting, budgeting, sales forecasting, financial analysis, and scientific fields.

Computerized spreadsheets mimic a paper spreadsheet. The advantage of using computerized spreadsheets is their ability to update data and perform automatic calculations extremely quickly. On a computerized spreadsheet, the intersection of a row and a column is called a cell. Rows are generally identified by numbers - 1, 2, 3, and so on - and columns are identified by letters, such as A, B, C, and so on. The cell is a combination of a letter and a number to identify a particular location within the spreadsheet, for example A3.

To maneuver around the spreadsheet, you use the mouse or the tab key. When the contents of one cell are changed, any other affected cell is automatically recalculated according to the formulas in use. Formulas are the calculations to be performed on the data. Formulas can be simple, such as sum or average, or they can be very complex. Spreadsheets are also popular for testing hypothetical scenarios.

Setting up a spreadsheet can be fairly time consuming, although templates, or sample spreadsheets, are available with most software packages. The computerized spreadsheet can be formatted with titles, colors, bold text, and italics for a professional look. You can also create graphs and charts based on the data entered in your spreadsheet. Many packages have the ability to print mailing lists or labels.

The original computerized spreadsheet software was VisiCalc, designed for use on Apple computers. Now many commercial computerized software packages are available for Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. Popular spreadsheet packages include Microsoft Excel and Lotus 123.

Individuals, in addition to businesses, use computerized spreadsheet software for a variety of tasks that involve numerical data. Teachers can store and average grades with a spreadsheet. Individuals can use a spreadsheet to track a personal budget or store sports team statistics. Spreadsheets are one of the most popular uses for personal computers.