Spreadsheet: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.