Spreadsheet: meaning, definitions and examples

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spreadsheet

[ˈsprɛdˌʃit ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

computer software

A spreadsheet is a computer program or software application that enables the organization, analysis, and storage of data in tabular form. It consists of rows and columns where users can input and manipulate data.

Synonyms

chart, table, worksheet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spreadsheet	A spreadsheet is typically used to organize, calculate, and analyze numerical data or information. It often refers to a software application like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. I created a spreadsheet to track my monthly expenses. The project plan is laid out in a detailed spreadsheet.
worksheet	A worksheet is often a single page or sheet within a spreadsheet application that contains cells organized by rows and columns. It can also refer to a printed or digital page with exercises for practice. I have multiple worksheets in the Excel file to separate different types of data. The teacher handed out worksheets for the students to complete during class.
table	A table is used to display data in rows and columns, making it easy to read and compare information. It is often used for organizing and presenting structured data. The research results are summarized in Table 2. We added a new column to the table to include recent data.
chart	A chart is a visual representation of data, often used to make comparisons, show trends, or present information in an easily digestible format. Charts come in many forms, such as bar charts, pie charts, and line charts. The sales data is presented in a bar chart. We used a pie chart to show the market share of each company.

Examples of usage

Please fill in the spreadsheet with the sales data for this quarter.
She used a spreadsheet to calculate the expenses for the project.
The spreadsheet allows you to create formulas for automatic calculations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

paper document

In a non-digital context, a spreadsheet refers to a paper document with rows and columns used for organizing and recording information. It is commonly used in accounting and financial analysis.

Synonyms

chart, ledger, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spreadsheet	Typically used in business and finance to manage and analyze data in tabular form, utilizing software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. I organized the quarterly budget in a spreadsheet. We track our inventory levels using a spreadsheet.
ledger	Primarily used in accounting to record financial transactions systematically, often manually or with accounting software. She updated the ledger to include the recent transactions. Our accountant keeps a detailed ledger of all company expenses.
record	Generally used to document any kind of information or event, either physically or digitally, in various fields such as medicine, education, and legal matters. The teacher kept a record of all the students' grades. Make sure to record all the minutes from the meeting.
chart	Used to display data visually for clarity and better understanding, often found in reports, presentations, and educational materials. The chart clearly shows the sales trends over the past year. We need to add a pie chart to illustrate the market share distribution.

Examples of usage

The accountant prepared a detailed spreadsheet for the budget report.
The spreadsheet displayed all the expenses and income for the month.
He kept a spreadsheet to track his daily expenses.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

disseminate widely

To spreadsheet means to distribute or make something widely known or available, often in a systematic manner. It is commonly used in marketing and communication.

Synonyms

broadcast, disseminate, share.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spreadsheet	Use when referring to a digital document used for organizing data in rows and columns, often for calculations or data analysis. I created a spreadsheet to track our monthly expenses. Please update the sales figures in the spreadsheet.
disseminate	Used in formal or academic contexts for the act of spreading information, ideas, or knowledge widely. The research team worked hard to disseminate their findings to the scientific community. It's important to disseminate accurate information during a health crisis.
broadcast	Used when transmitting information widely, particularly through radio, television, or the internet, generally to a large audience. The news channel will broadcast the election results tonight. He decided to broadcast his wedding announcement on social media.
share	Used in everyday contexts when giving others access to information, resources, or experiences, typically among a smaller or more personal group. Can you share the meeting notes with the team? She loves to share photos of her travels with friends.

Examples of usage

They decided to spreadsheet the information to all employees.
She spreadsheeted the new policy to the entire team.
The company plans to spreadsheet the product launch across social media.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'spreadsheet' originates from the concept of a 'spread sheet' used in accounting, where sheets were laid out to keep financial data organized.
Before digital spreadsheets, people used paper forms that resembled the layout of a spreadsheet to record calculations and data.

Technology

The first electronic spreadsheet was VisiCalc, released in 1979, which revolutionized how businesses managed finances on computers.
Modern spreadsheets, like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, offer features like formulas and graphs to enhance data analysis and presentation.

Pop Culture

Spreadsheets have become a symbol of business efficiency, often featured in movies and TV shows to depict office work settings.
The use of spreadsheets has sparked a whole genre of memes about the joys and struggles of office life.

Education

Learning to use spreadsheets is a key skill in many school curriculums, helping students understand data management and mathematical concepts.
Spreadsheets are increasingly utilized in project management and science fair projects to organize data effectively.

Psychology

Research suggests that visual organization of information, as seen in spreadsheets, can enhance memory retention and understanding.
Using spreadsheets can reduce cognitive load by presenting data in a structured format, making it easier for the brain to process information.

Translations

Translations of the word "spreadsheet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 planilha

🇮🇳 स्प्रेडशीट

🇩🇪 Tabellenkalkulation

🇮🇩 lembar bentang

🇺🇦 електронна таблиця

🇵🇱 arkusz kalkulacyjny

🇯🇵 スプレッドシート

🇫🇷 tableur

🇪🇸 hoja de cálculo

🇹🇷 elektronik tablo

🇰🇷 스프레드시트

🇸🇦 جدول بيانات

🇨🇿 tabulka

🇸🇰 tabuľka

🇨🇳 电子表格

🇸🇮 preglednica

🇮🇸 reikniblað

🇰🇿 электрондық кесте

🇬🇪 სპრედშიტი

🇦🇿 elektron cədvəl

🇲🇽 hoja de cálculo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,003, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16000 cerebellar
16001 tougher
16002 grocer
16003 spreadsheet
16004 filmed
16005 smoky
16006 grimly
...