Cell

Now look at your spreadsheet. Do you notice how it is neatly divided into a grid of horizontal rows and vertical columns?

The point of intersection of a column and a row is called a cell. It is the basic unit of a worksheet. This is where you enter, calculate, manipulate and analyse data such as numbers and text. Each cell can contain text, values, or a mathematical formula.

Cell Label

A cell has a unique address or “cell reference”, which is composed of the coordinates of the intersection of a column and a row.

Each column is identified by an alphabet on the top of the worksheet — A, B, C. Each row is identified by a number on the left side of the grid — 1, 2, and 3. These letters and numbers of the columns and rows are called labels.

You can easily locate a cell by its label. For example, a cell located at the intersection of the fourth column, i.e., Column D, and the third row, i.e., Row 3, will have the label D3.

Activity: In your spreadsheet, locate the cells B2, E9, L13.

Active cell

Active cell is the cell currently selected for either data entry or editing. You can identify it by the heavy black border with a small square in the lower corner that surrounds it.

Sean begins his work by selecting cell A1. To make cell A1 your active cell,

1. Click inside the cell A1.

2. A black border will appear around it, distinguishing it from other cells.