Spreadsheets — basic formulae and charts

What you'll learn

1. 1

   Imagine you have a paper spreadsheet tracking your weekly pocket money. You write your earnings in one column and your spending in another.

2. 2

   What does a spreadsheet do that paper can't?

3. 3

   Let's build a mini spreadsheet! We'll enter pocket money for 3 weeks: £5, £8, £10. Then use a formula to add them up.

4. 4

   A formula in a spreadsheet starts with an equals sign. Let's see how =SUM works.

5. 5

   Now you try! Which formula adds up cells A1, A2, and A3?

6. 6

   Now let's make a chart from your data. A bar chart shows your pocket money for each week.

7. 7

   What symbol does a formula always start with in a spreadsheet?